i 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED 
ABOUT  SWINE 


L.  H.  COOCH 

EDITOR 

THE  PRACTICAL  FARMER, 

Philadelphia,  Pa. 


PRICE  25  CENTS 


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I 


FIVE  HUNDRED  QUESTIONS 
ANSWERED  ABOUT 
SWINE 



},  . 

Being  a Compilation  of  all  the  Questions 
Concerning  the  Breeding,  Feeding,  Pastur- 
ing, Diseases,  Comparison  of  the  Different 
Breeds  and  Miscellaneous  Questions  Asked 
and  Answered  About  Swine,  and  Published 
in  The  Farmer  from  1900  Until  the  Present. 


L.  H.  COOCH 


U31.V 


Copyrights,  1907,  1908, 
WEBB  PUBLISHING  CO., 
St.  Paul,  Minn. 


UNIVERSITY  0?  ILLINOIS 
AGRICULTURE  LIBRARY 


ETC  13  1SS3 


c 


Preface 


Realizing  the  necessity  for  a swine  book  to  which  the  farmer 
j can  turn  and  find  his  question  answered  without  waste  of  time, 
i we  have  collected  and  compiled  the  questions  and  answers  con- 
I tained  in  this  book.  Although  the  title  is  “500  Questions  An- 
| swered  About  Swine”  there  are,  in  reality,  534  separate  questions 
j with  their  answers. 

The  book  is  subdivided  and  contains  83  questions  and  answers 
about  breeding  hogs,  150  on  feeding,  51  on  pastures,  143  on  dis- 
eases, 29  on  the.  comparison  of  different  breeds  and  78  miscella- 
ny neous  questions. 

Our  aim  has  been  to  subdivide  this  book  in  such  a way  that 
anyone  can  turn  to  it  and  have  his  question  answered  in  the  short- 
est possible  time.  In  placing  this  book  before  the  public,  we  wish 
to  caution  its  readers  against  taking  it  too  literally.  It  must  be 
remembered  that  we  have  a large  country  and  that  some  of  the 
answers  cannot  be  followed  too  closely.  With  slight  modifica- 
ions,  however,  the  advice  given  herein  can  be  safely  followed  by 


wine  breeders  throughout  the  country. 
Revised  September  17th,  1908, 
Philadelphia,  Pa. 


L.  H.  COOCH. 


Breeding, 


( 


Conformation  of  Brood  Sow  and  Boar. 

What  should  be  the  conformation  of  the 
profitable  brood  sow?  Also  of  the  boar? 

Aias.:  The  brood  sow  to  be  a good 
breeder  should  be  broad  between  the  eyes 
•to  insure  good  disposition,  long  and  deep 
in  body,  somewhat  rangy,  and  her  legs 
not  too*  long,  but  strong.  In  other  words, 
she  Should  be  a little  coarse  in  her  make- 
up. The  sire  may  be  a little  more  com- 
pact where  the  sow  is  ideal  in  type.  The 
sire  should  show  more  finish. 

Impotent  Boar. 

I bought  a full  blooded  boar  last  fall. 
He  weighs  about  185  pounds  and  looks  in 
the  pink  of  perfection  but  he  don’t  care 
anything  for  the  sows. 

Arjis.:  The  boar  may  be  impotent  and 
Incapable  of  service.  There  is  nothing  to 
recommend.  If  natural  methods  fail, 
ther*e  is  something  seriously  wrong.  You 
had  better  get  another  boar. 

Trouble  With  Boar. 

I Jhave  a fine  improved  Chester  White 
boar  and  sow,  both  registered,  and  the 
sow  in  pig  with  him.  A large  lump  has 
come'  on  the  boar  under  his  throat  which 
has  t roken  and  looks  like  a piece  of  raw 
beef.  Can  you  tell  me  what  it  is  and  if 
it  is1  safe  to  raise  the  pigs?  There  will 
4 be  about  fifty  of  his  get  altogether. 

A ns.:  The  trouble  with  the  boar  may 
.arise  from  one  of  a number  of  causes. 
It  would  be  unsafe  to  say  what  the  trou- 
ble is  or  what  caused  it  without  a more 
perfect  knowledge  of  all  the  facts,  but  it 
is  pi  etty  certain  that  it  is  not  of  a char- 
acter to  affect  the  progeny.  Ther^  need 
be  no  apprehension  on  this  account. 

Selecting  a Boar. 

In  selecting  a hog  to  head  the  herd 
should  one  be  gotten  with  all  the  good 
markings? 

Ans.:  a breeder  should  look  for  these 
markings  but  for  a person  who  is  only 
making  pork,  he  need  not  be  so  particu- 
lar. a small  red  spot  does  not  hurt  a 
Polani-China.  In  breeding  pure-bred  hogs 
you  have  to  make  a discrimination  to 
quite  an  extent,  but  for  a man  who  is  just 
producing  pork,  that  doesn’t  count  for 
anything.  Packers  pay  no  attention  to 
color,  but  they  like  uniformity  in  a con- 
signment of  hogs  and  pay  more  for  such 
a loai  than  where  they  are  of  all  sizes 
' and  colors. 

Hogs  for  Market  only. 

I w nt  to  raise  hogs  for  market.  Is  it 
neces:,iry  In  such  a case  to  have  the  very 
best,  igh  priced  boars  that  come  up  to 
scratch  jn  every  point? 

An  • If  the  hogs  are  grown  for  mar- 


ket only,  it  is  not  necessary  to  pay  a fan- 
cy price  for  animals  which  have  every 
bristle  of  just  the  right  color  and  point- 
ing in  exactly  the  right  direction,  it  is 
well,  however,  to  use  only  pure-bred 
boars.  What  the  pork  raiser  should  re- 
quire in  his  boar  is  good  form  and  size 
without  coarseness,  good  feeding  capacity 
and  a strong  constitution. 

Age  of  Sire. 

How  long  should  a sire  be  kept  and  be 
a potent  sire? 

Ans.:  Records  show  that  a majority  of 
sires  which  have  left  behind  them  noted 
sires  and  dams  were  all  the  way  from 
eighteen  months  to  five  years  old,  and 
some  sires  have  made  a high  record  at 
the  age  of  eight  and  nine  years.  If  more 
sires  were  kept  from  the  age  of  two  to 
five  years,  such  as  have  proven  themselves 
good  sires  by  their  vigorous  offspring,  it 
would  add  considerably  to  the  improve- 
ment of  the  swine.  This  also  holds  true 
with  sows. 

Breeding  Age  of  Sire. 

What  about  th$  age  of  the  sire?  How 
old  should  he  be  when  used  for  service? 

Ans.:  He  should  not  be  used  until  fully 
matured.  Never  use  a sire  any  longer 
than  eight  or  nine  months  at  a time;  never 
use  him  to  excess. 

Use  Pure-Bred  Sires. 

I have  a number  of  very  fine  grade  brood 
sows  and  know  where  I can  purchase  what 
I consider  an  especially  fine  boar.  However, 
he  is  only  a grade.  Would  it  be  advisable 
to  use  this  boar  or  should  I get  one  that 
is  pure-bred? 

Ans.:  To  raise  and  maintain  the  stand- 
ard use  only  pure-bred  sires.  Do  not  put 
too  much  faith  in  the  outward  appearance 
of  grade  animals.  Little  dependence  can 
be  .placed  upon  outward  appearance,  and 
they  will  not  transmit  with  any  degree  of 
certainty  their  own  characteristics.  By 
all  means  use  pure-bred  sires. 

Better  Blood  Needed. 

I have  been  breeding  common  hogs  for 
a number  of  years  and  each  year  they  seem 
to  be  a little  less  healthy  and  I have  more 
trouble  in  getting  them  in  condition  to 
sell.  What  can  I do  to  bring  them  back 
to  a normal  condition?  I cannot  afford  to 
buy  pure-breds,  as  I am  raising  hogs 
simply  to  sell  to  the  butcher.  What  would 
you  advise  me  to  do? 

Ans.:  Use  pure-bred  sires  to  build  up  the 
grade.  Life  is  too  short  to  be  spent  in 
breeding  scrubs. 

Correcting  Weak  Points  in  the  Boar. 

Will  it  be  safe  to  use  a boar  with  weak 


9 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


I 


points  on  a sow  that  Is  generally  strong 
where  he  Is  weak? 

Ans.:  A boar  that  has  weak  points  can 
often  be  used  with  success  on  a sow  which 
ts  unusually  strong  where  the  boar  is  de- 
fective, though  a weakness  in  the  boar  is 
not  counter  balanced  as  readily  as  one  in 
the  sow,  on  account  of  his  greater  pre- 
potency. 


Pure-bred  Boar  or  Sows? 

I am  new  to  the  hog  business.  Which 
would  be  better  to  buy,  a pure-bred  boar 
or  an  ordinary  boar  and  pure-bred  sows? 
C am  going  to  raise  hogs  for  pork  only. 

Ans.:  As  the  boar  gives  half  the  blood 
to  the  whole  herd,  while  one  sow  can  in- 
fluence only  her  own  litter,  it  is  highly 
Important  that,  whatever  the  sows  may 
be,  the  boar  should  be  pure-bred,  and  one 
which  will  give  vigorous  pigs  of  good 
form. 


Age  of  Breeding  Swine. 

Which  is  better,  an  aged  boar  on  young 
sows  or  a young  boar  on  matured  sows? 

Ans.:  An  aged  sow  mated  with  a young 
boar  will  produce  pigs  which  Krill  mature 
earlier  than  those  produced  when  the  sow 
is  young  and  the  boar  aged.  This  is  a 
strong  argument  in  favor  of  keeping  a 
sow  as  long  as  she  continues  to  breed 
satisfactorily. 

A Bad  Sort  of  a Breeder. 


cost  less  at  weaning  time,  but  their  pur- 
chase at  thi3  time  is  a lottery. 

Time  to  Buy  a Boar. 

Should  I wait  until  I need  the  services 
of  a boar  before  I buy  one  or  is  it  better 
to  have  him  on  hand  some  time  before 
needed? 

Ans.:  It  is  not  safe  to  delay  the  pur- 
chase until  the  boar  is  wanted  for  service. 
The  service  is  more  sure  and  the  ^boar 
can  be  handled  with  much  less  troub'ie  if 
he  has  been  on  the  place  for  a few  >ilays 
before  he  is  needed  for  use.  He  shjould 
have  time  to  become  accustomed  to,  his 


new  quarters  before  going  into  service. 

Boar  Running  With  Sows. 

Shall  I let  my  herd  boar  run  with  the 
sows  all  the  time  or  keep  him  by  himself? 

Ans.:  The  boar  should  never  be  alloiwed 
to  run  with  the  sows,  as  he  will  be  a Con- 
tinual worry  both  to  them  and  to  his  cjwn- 
er,  and  it  is  much  better  to  keep  Ihim 
in  a lot  where  he  can  neither  see  nor  i|iear 
other  hogs. 


Pedigreed  Scrub. 

I have  a boar  with  a long  pedigree  be- 
hind him,  but  as  a breeder  he  seem  s to 
me  a poor  animal.  Would  it  be  advisable 
to  use  him  and  trust  to  luck  and  his 
ancestors  to  produce  good  pigs? 

Ans.:  A poor  specimen  of  a pure-”ored 
animal  is  little  better  than  a scrub,  and 
should  not  be  used  simply  because  hti  has 
a long  pedigree. 


I have  a pedigreed  boar,  but  he  has  a 
long  head,  neck  and  legs.  Would  you 
use  him  for  breeding  or  is  he  the  right 
type? 

Ans.:  The  animal  described  has  a form 
that  will  require  a large  amount  of  feed 
to  produce  a pound  of  meat  and  one  that 
will  not  finish  for  market  until  he  has 
reached  considerable  age.  He  would  be 
likely  to  transmit  these  bad  qualities  to 
his  offspring  so  you  had  better  get  an- 
other boar. 

A Bad  Grazing  Type. 


Boar  Pigs  Not  Up  to  Standard. 

I have  a lot  of  boar  pigs  that  are  not 
quite  up  to  standard  in  some  unimpoitant 
particulars.  Could  they  be  sold  as  strict- 
ly first  class  animals?  Would  they  stand 
a chance  in  the  show  ring? 

Ans.:  With  even  slight  defects  such  ani- 
mals would  stand  a poor  chance  in  the 
show  ring,  but  breeders  are  often  glad  to 
get  such  animals  as  they  are  just  as  good 
as  any  where  pork  and  not  show  is  wanted. 
They  would  insure  better  pigs  than  could 
be  expected  from  equally  well-formed 
grades  or  inferior  pure  bloods. 


T have  a boar  that  walks  partially  on 
his  dew  claws.  Would  he  be  a good  hog 
to  head  a herd? 

Ans.:  You  had  better  not  breed  from 
him.  The  fact  that  he  walks  partially  on 
his  dew  claws  shows  a weakness  of  frame, 
and  indicates  a poor  grazer  and  an  ani- 
mal which  will  break  down  before  be 
reaches  a heavy  weight. 

Buying  a Boar — The  Age. 

My  neighbor  has  some  fine  young  boar 
pigs  about  two-and-a-half  or  three  months 
old.  Should  I buy  one  now  or  are  they 
too  young  to  tell  how  they  will  turn  out? 

Ans.:  Boars  should  not  be  purchased  un- 
til they  are  five  or  six  months  old.  They 
do  not  show  sufficient  form  before  that 
time  to  give  an  accurate  idea  of  how 
they  will  turn  out  when  fully  grown.  They 


Handling  the  Boar. 

I have  a three-year-old  boar  that  Is  a 
good  getter  but  he  is  very  thin  a’l  the 
time  and  often  seems  to  lose  his  appetite. 
Should  I use  him  for  a breeder? 

Ans.:  You  can’t  afford  to  raise  pigs 
from  animals  which  refuse  to  fitten, 
which  are  frequently  “off  their  fee.l”  or 
which  have  in  any  way  shown  anyihing 
but  the  most  vigorous  health.  Yov  had 
better  dispose  of  him  and  try  anoth;r. 

Selecting  a Boar. 

I have  a lot  of  little  boar  pigs  that  look 
too  good  to  kill.  Would  it  be  advisalle  to 
keep  one  to  breed  to  my  old  sows? 

Ans.:  It  is  usually  better  to  buy  a boar 
than  to  use  one  which  has  been  laised  * 
on  the  place  and  is  related  to  the  sows 
which  are  to  be  bred.  The  lntrod  2tion 


BREEDING. 


3 


of  fr  sh  blood  will  give  larger  litters  and 
more  vigorous  pigs  than  can  be  expected 
from  any  close  in-breeding. 

Selecting:  Boars  for  Breeders. 

I rant  to  know  something  about  select- 
ing coars  for  breeders.  I have  some  good 
litte  s and  want  to  make  the  right  selec- 
tion 

A.is.:  The  breeders  should  be  the  squar- 
est  milt  and  best  shaped  animals  in  the 
lot.  They  should  be  hearty  eaters  and 
shoild  show  a tendency  to  lay  on  fat 
rapilly. 

Changing  Boars. 

Wiat  Is  the  best  way  to  start  a herd  of 
swi  e?  I have  two  fine  litters  of  mixed 
sex  s.  How  often  should  I change  boars? 

Aas.:  The  breeding  sows  can  usually  be 
selected  from  those  in  the  drove,  but  a 
new  boar  should  be  purchased  as  often  as 
the  sows  have  passed  their  prime  and  are 
repaced  by  the  offspring  of  the  old  boar. 

Sel-ctlng  a Boar  for  Fattening  Qualities. 

low  can  I tell  a boar  that  is  likely 
to  produce  pigs  that  will  readily  fatten? 
J nave  some  young  boars  and  want  to 
select  one  as  a breeder. 

Ans.:  A short  neck  and  short  legs  usual- 
ly indicate  good  fattening  qualities.  They 
are  even  more  important  in  the  boar  than 
in  the  sow.  The  boar  should  be  small- 
boned for  his  size,  but  it  is  all  important 
that  his  frame  should  have  sufficient 
strength  to  carry  him  well  on  his  feet. 

Producing  Healthy  Pigs. 

For  a number  of  years  I have  been  dis- 
appointed in  my  litters  of  pigs.  My  sows 
do  not  seem  to  be  healthy.  Is  there  any- 
thing I can  do  for  them  that  will  put  them 
in  such  shape  that  they  will  bear  healthy 
pigs? 

Ans.:  To  obtain  healthy,  vigorous  off- 
spring, strong,  active  parentage  is  of  the 
first  importance.  You  had  better  fatten 
your  sows  and  dispose  of  them,  and  select 
new  ones  for  breeders.  See  that  the  boar 
lsjf  strong  and  vigorous. 

Always  Buy  a Pure-Bred  Sire. 

I am  just  beginning  in  the  hog  business 
and  find  that  pure-bred  hogs  are  very  ex- 
pensive. I know  where  I can  get  a few 
very  choice  grade  sows  and  also  what  I 
consider  a very  fine  grade  boar.  Would 
it  be  advisable  to  make  a start  with  grade 
animals  or  is  it  cheaper  in  the  end  to 
buy  pure-breds? 

Ans.:  The  man  who  is  new  to  the  hog 
busii  ess  and  who  cannot  afford  to  pur- 
chase pure-bred  hogs,  but  at  the  same 
time  wishes  to  improve  his  herd,  should 
always  buy  pure-bred  sires.  The  grade 
sows  will  be  all  right  if  they  possess  the 
characteristics  and  qualities  for  which 
they  are  Intended.  A grade  boar,  however, 
would  tend  to  upset  all  of  thfb  breeder’s 
calculations,  as  his  ancestry  would  not  tend 
to  ljnake  him  an  animal  that  would  produce 


better  stock  than  himself  or  the  sows 
with  which  he  is  bred. 

Age  to  Breed. 

Is  a boar  six  months  old,  weighing  160 
pounds  and  in  good  growing  condition,  old 
enough  to  breed  to  young  sows  the  same 
age?  We  have  fourteen  sows. 

Ans.:  If  the  boar  is  a well  developed 
animal  for  his  age  you  need  have  no  fear 
but  what  he  is  able  to  satisfactorily  per- 
form the  services  required  of  him,  and 
even  more  if  necessary. 

Period  of  Gestation. 

How  long  does  a sow  carry  her  pigs  from 
the  time  of  service? 

Ans.:  The  period  of  gestation  in  hogs 
Is  from  111  to  113  days,  although  old  sows 
sometimes  carry  their  pigs  from  112  to 
117  days.  In  roun^  numbers  the  period 
is  sixteen  week3. 

To  Get  Sows  In  Heat. 

How  can  I make  sows  come  in  heat,  and 
Will  it  make  any  difference  in  the  number 
of  pigs,  if  bred  after  such  treatment? 

Ans.:  For  a sow  weighing  two  hundred 
pounds,  give  one  quart  of  wheat  for 
three  successive  feeds.  This  will  leave 
no  ill  effects  and  is  said  to  do  the  work. 
Feed  well  and  keep  in  good  condition. 

Bringing  Sows  Into  Heat. 

Is  there  any  way  to  bring  a sow  into 
heat?  I have  one  that  I have  wanted  to 
breed  for  nearly  two  years  but  she  does 
not  come  in  heat. 

Ans.:  There  is  nothing  to  give  in  this 
case  that  will  not  injure  the  animal.  Al- 
low her  to  run  with  a male  as  much  as 
possible.  This  is  the  best  you  can  do. 
If  she  still  refuses  to  come  in  heat,  fatten 
her  up  and  dispose  of  her  to  the  butcher 
as  soon  as  possible. 

Penning  Before  Farrowing. 

How  long  should  a sow  be  shut  up  be- 
fore she  farrows? 

Ans.:  Perhaps  three  weeks.  She  knows 
her  place  and  comes  there,  About  two 
weeks  before  she  farrows  put  her  there 
continuously,  especially  at  night.  It  Is 
well  to  feed  the  sows  roots  or  potatoes 
every  day  for  five  or  six  weeks  before 
they  farrow. 

Care  of  Brood  Sow  Before  Farrowing. 

I have  a sow  that  I expect  to  farrow  in 
a few  weeks.  Would  it  be  safe  to  let  her 
in  the  pen  with  the  others  or  should  I 
put  her  by  herself?  She  is  very  heavy 
and  I am  almost  afraid  to  worry  her  very 
jnuch  in  her  present  condition. 

Ans.:  A week  or  ten  days  before  the 
pigs  appear  put  the  brood  sow  in  a pen 
by  herself  so  that  she  will  become  used  to 
her  new  quarters  before  farrowing.  Han- 
dle her  quietly  as  in  her  condition  rough 
treatment  might  cause  her  to  abort. 


4 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


Shipping  Pregnant  Sows. 

How  near  to  the  time  of  farrowing  will 
It  be  safe  to  ship  sows  a long  distance. 

Ans.:  It  will  depend  largely  on  the  dis- 
tance which  the  animals  are  to  be  shipped 
and  the  presence  or  absence  of  a competent 
caretaker  in  the  car.  It  is  not  very  safe 
to  ship  a sow  within  three  or  four  weeks 
of  the  time  of  farrowing. 

Cross  - Breeding. 

Could  good  results  be  obtained  from 
cross-breeding  only  one  time? 

Ans.:  Very  likely.  If  you  are  going  to 
raise  pork,  select  some  pure-bred  sows 
of  the  bacon  type  and  cross  them  with  a 
pure-bred  lard-type  male.  This  method 
has  given  very  good  results  for  one  cross 
but  it  is  dangerous  to  continue  any  further 
in  this  line. 

Cross-Breeding. 

If  cross-Dreeding  is  continued,  what  are 
the  results? 

Ans.:  If  cross-breeding  is  continued  for 
any  length  of  time  the  hogs  get  smaller 
and  smaller,  instead  of  larger.  It  is  a 
very  dangerous  system  of  breeding  unless 
conducted  by  those  thoroughly  experienced 
in  the  work. 

Cross-Breeding  Hogs  for  Bone. 

Is  it  wise  to  cross-breed  hogs  to  keep  up 
bone? 

Ans.:  It  may  be  done  but  it  is  a very 
risky  business.  The  first  cross  sometimes 
gives  a good  feeding  hog,  but  it  is  not  a 
good  practice  on  general  principles. 

Exercise  For  Bone. 

Wouia  exercise  grow  strong  bone? 

Ans.:  Exercise  is  an  essential,  and  is 
quite  necessary.  But  bone  and  muscle 
forming  feed  is  of  the  first  importance. 

In-Breeding. 

Is  in-breeding  to  be  recommended?  If 
not,  why  not? 

Ans.:  Dr.  Manley  Miles,  in  a chapter  on 
in-breeding,  which  is  worthy  of  reflection 
by  anyone  who  wishes  to  in-breed,  says: 
“The  most  obvious  objection  to  close 
breeding — and  it  is  perhaps  the  only  one 
of  importance — is  the  difficulty  of  select- 
ing animals  that  are  free  from  constitu- 
tional defects  and  the  danger  arising 
from  the  tendency  of  such  defects  to  be- 
come dominant  in  the  offspring.  It  must, 
however,  be  admitted  that  it  is  an  im- 
portant means  of  improvement  when  ju- 
diciously practised  and  that  it  consti- 
tutes the  only  method  known  of  securing 
an  accumulation  of  slight  variations  in 
a particular  direction  that  it  may  be  de- 
sirable to  retain  and  perpetuate.  The 
greatest  improvement  in  the  form  and 
quality  of  animals  can  only  be  made  by 
those  who  possess  the  requisite  know- 
ledge and  skill  to  enable  them  to  blend 


and  perpetuate  all  desirable  variathns 
through  a system  of  rigorous  selectoa 
and  close  breeding  without  impairing  he 
constitution  by  an  accumulation  of  tn- 
desirable  characteristics.” 

Selecting  Future  Brood  Sows. 

I have  a lot  of  young  pigs  among  whfch 
are  some  very  fine  sows.  I have  been  of- 
ered  a good  price  for  these  sows  but  is 
I will  need  to  replace  some  of  my  <ld 
sows,  had  I better  keep  these  or  take  al- 
vantage  of  the  price  offered? 

Ans.:  When  selecting  the  brood  sovs 
for  next  season  spare  those  which  haye 
shown  themselves  to  be  good  mothejs. 
Do  not  be  tempted  by  price  or  any  othir 
consideration  to  part  with  them  as  loig 
as  they  will  breed  well  unless  they  show 
indications  of  impaired  usefulness.  Wi:h 
regard  to  parting  with  your  old  sovs, 
one  good  old  brood  sow  is  worth  tvo 
young  ones  whose  usefulness  has  not  bem 
proven.  Attention  to  this  matter  would 
greatly  increase  the  profits  of  growirg 
swine. 

Selecting  Breeding  Sows. 

I have  three  sows  with  litters  and  I wish 
to  go  largely  into  the  business.  Shall  I 
select  sows  from  these  litters  or  buy  them 
from  outside? 

Ans.:  If  your  hogs  are  good  animals, 
true  to  type,  the  sows  for  breeding  can 
b^  selected  from  the  litters.  As  “like 
produces  like”  they  should  always  be  se- 
lected from  large  litters  from  sows  which 
are  good  milkers  and  good  mothers.  Don’t 
go  outside  to  buy  if  you  have  good  stock 
at  home. 

Poor  Sows  for  Breeders. 

I have  several  sows  that  refuse  to  fatten. 
Would  they  make  good  breeders? 

Ans.:  To  save  a sow  for  a breeder  sim- 
ply because  she  is  not  fat  enough  to  kill 
when  the  others  are,  is  one  of  the  surest 
ways  to  secure  inferior  pigs.  Give  your 
sows  a change  of  food,  plenty  of  fresh 
water  and  some  salt  and  charcoal,  and 
you  ought  to  be  able  to  get  them  fat.. 

What  Age  to  Breed  Sows. 

I have  some  young  sows  of  splendid 
form.  How  old  should  they  be  before  I 
breed  them? 

Ans.:  No  uniform  rule  exists  in  regard 
to  the  age  at  which  a sow  should  be 
bred  the  first  time,  as  more  depends  on 
the  maturity  of  the  animal  than  its  age. 
Sows  raised  on  the  place  may  be  nred 
when  they  are  either  eight  or  fourteen 
months  old,  and  if  fully  developed  the 
younger  age  is  usually  the  better.  A 
sow  that  has  been  carefully  raised  should 
weigh  200  pounds  at  eight  months,,  at 
which  age  she  should  be  sufficiently  una- 
tured  to  produce  a fair  litter  of  vigorous 
pig's. 


BREEDING. 


5 


A Poor  Sow  for  a Breeder. 

I have  a sow  that  has  always  had  a 
sma ! appetite.  Would  it  he  advisable  to 
keei  her  as  a breeder  or  should  I fatten 
her  >ff  and  select  another? 

Ais.:  A sow  that  is  not  a good  feeder 
will  produce  only  small  litters,  will  be  a 
poo  milker,  and  her  pigs  will  never 
male  the  quick  and  even  growth  neces- 
sary for  good  profit.  By  all  means  sell 
her  and  get  another  to  take  her  place. 

Old  Sows  For  Breeding. 

Des  it  pay  to  keep  old  sows  for  breed- 
ing. rather  than  to  sell  them  and  keep  only 
youig  ones? 

Ais.:  It  generally  does,  as  mature  sows 
breed  pigs  of  stronger  vitality  and 
stronger  bone.  The  pigs  grow  faster  and 
are  less  liable  to  disease  where  mature 
parents  are  kept.  A mature  sow  would 
not  have  reached  her  age  if  she  had  not 
beei  a good  mother  and  produced  large, 
heaithy  litters  of  pigs.  Such  a sow  that 
has  been  proven  is  certainly  more  valuable 
than  a young  one  that  has  not  been 
tri<d. 

Breeding  Age. 

At  what  age  should  a young  sow  be  bred? 

Ans.:  A sow  should  not  be  bred  until 
she  is  eight  months  of  age  and  even  then 
it  would  be  folly  to  attempt  it  unless 
she  is  a fully  matured  animal  of  the 
type  desired. 

The  Brood  Sow. 

How  should  I select  a good  brood  sow 
out  of  the  herd  for  the  coming  season? 

Ans.:  “Like  will  produce  like,”  is  an 
old  maxim,  containing  much  truth.  If 
one  has  sows  that  proved  themselves  good 
mothers  in  all  respects,  bringing  for  their 
first  litters  six  or  eight  pigs,  and  raising 
them  satisfactorily,  it  is  always  better  to 
retain  a sufficient  number  of  such  sows 
and  from  them  select  sows  in  turn.  It 
will,  if  the  selection  is  made  with  due 
care,  in  a few  years  establish  a fine  herd 
of  sows  upon  which  one  can  rely  with 
some  certainty  for  successful  breeding, 
although  one  may  have  two  or  three 
distinct  lines  of  sows  bred  by  different 
boars.  Of  course,  the  aim  should  always 
be  to  increase  the  uniformity  by  the 
selection  of  boars.  Always  refuse  vici- 
ous animals  for  breeding.  A broad,  short 
head,  wide  between  the  eyes,  with  droop- 
ing ears,  and  a mild,  large  eye,  indicate 
good  nature  and  contentment,  but  never 
mistake  sluggishness  or  inactivity  for 
good  motherhood.  A narrow,  long,  slim 
head,  small,  restless  eyes,  set  close  to- 
gether, and  long,  large  ears,  indicate  a 
vicious  disposition. 

Breeding  Young  Sows. 

Is  it  wise  to  breed  an  old  boar  to  young 

BOWS? 


Ans.:  Use  fully  matured  males  on  sows 
of  the  same  character  in  order  to  produce 
large  litters  of  strong,  healthy,  vigorous 
pigs.  Sows  that  have  been  developed 
will  suckle  better  and  raise  more  pigs 
than  a young  one  will.  But  if  circum- 
stances  are  such  that  one  is  compelled  to 
use  a mature  boar  on  young  sows,  it  is 
well  to  use  a breeding  crate  so  that  his 
weight  is  borne  up  artificially  and  does 
not  injure  the  sow.  As  to  the  results 
of  progeny  from  two  extremes,  the  rec- 
ords speak  favorably. 

Re-Breeding  Sows. 

Would  it  be  advisable  to  re-breed  an 
old  sow  the  third  day  after  she  farrowed? 

Ans.:  It  is  very  risky  to  breed  a sow 
the  third  day  after  farrowing.  If  she  is 
expected  to  raise  two  litters  a year  her 
pigs  should  not  be  weaned  until  they  are 
about  two  months  old.  A sow  usually 
comes  in  heat  in  from  one  to  two  weeks 
after  her  pigs  are  weaned  and  if  she  is 
to  be  bred  again  she  shoo’d  be  served  at 
that  time. 

How  Long  Are  Sows  Profitable? 

How  long  is  it  profitable  to  keep  a brood 
sow?  What  is  the  average  age  to  which 
they  can  be  kept? 

Ans.:  They  have  been  kept  until  over 
ten  years  old.  Many  are  kept  until  six  years 
old  but  the  average  age  is  about  three 
years,  because  some  of  them  are  turned 
off  after  their  first  litter.  The  owner 
must  settle  this  question  for  himself  ac- 
cording to  the  number  of  pigs  produced 
at  a litter  and  the  sort  of  a mother  the 
sow  makes.  Many  old  sows  are  more 
profitable  than  a large  number  of  young 
ones. 

Age  Limit  of  Sows. 

What  is  the  age  of  a sow  when  she  ceas- 
es to  be  profitable? 

Ans.:  Ordinarily,  sows  cease  to  bf) 
profitable  breeders  after  they  are  four  or 
five  years  old,  but  some  raise  good  litters 
after  they  reach  eight  or  nine  years.  When 
a sow  more  than  four  years  old  fails  to 
give  good  litters  whenever  due,  she  may 
as  well  be  fattened  at  once. 

Old  Sows  or  Gilts? 

Which  is  more  profitable,  an  old  sow  ot 
a gilt? 

Ans.:  An  old  sow  which  regularly  raises 
large  litters  of  good  pigs  is  worth  half 
a dozen  untried  gilts. 

Milking  Qualities  of  a Gilt. 

I have  some  fine  gilts.  How  can  I tell 
if  they  will  make  good  milkers? 

Ans.:  It  is  impossible  to  judge  accu- 
rately of  the  milking  qualities  in  a gilt, 
but  usually  a chunky,  easy  fattened, 
heavy-boned,  and  short  legged  sow  is  not 


6 


BOO  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


as  good  a milker  as  Is  the  less  attractive- 
looking  one  with  a longer  body,  longer 
legs  and  somewhat  less  rounded  sides. 
Above  all,  do  not  select  sows  for  breed- 
ing purposes  unless  their  dams  were  good 
milkers. 

Correcting  Defects  in  the  Sorv. 

I have  a sow  that  has  a few  defects  but 
she  is  a good  milker  and  a fine  mother 
and  I hate  to  part  with  her.  Is  there  any 
other  way  out  of  the  difficulty? 

Ans. : Many  defects  of  form  in  the  breed- 
ing sow  may,  to  a great  extent,  be  cor- 
rected in  her  offspring  by  mating  her 
with  a boar  which  is  unusually  strong 
where  she  is  weak.  If  the  sow  it  too  long- 
headed, long-necked  and  long-bodied,  she 
should  be  mated  with  a boar  having  the 
opposite  characteristics;  if  the  sow  has 
weak  legs  and  her  dew  claws  touch  the 
ground,  the  boar  should  have  unusually 
strong  and  straight  legs;  if  the  sow  is 
sway-backed  the  boar  should  have  his 
back  well  arched,  etc. 

Weaning  Pigs. 

What  is  a good  way  to  wean  pigs? 

Ans.:  Try  the  little  fellows  with  some 
oats.  See  that  they  have  their  own 
trough  with  a thin  milk  and  middling 
slop.  If  this  is  provided  while  they  are 
still  nursing  it  will  help  to  wean  them 
gradually  and  easily. 

Weaning. 

How  old  should  pigs  be  at  the  time  of 
weaning? 

Ans.:  Few  farmers  like  to  wean  little 
pigs  at  all,  unless  they  want  to  re-breed 
the  sow;  then,  perhaps,  when  they  are  two 
months  old.  Let  them  wean  themselves, 
but  if  you  are  going  to  wean  them,  shut 
the  brood  sow  up  and  let  the  little  pigs 
run  out  on  the  pasture  and  come  in 
to  the  sow  when  they  want  to.  The  sow 
is  fed  dry  feed  and  in  a few  days  the 
pigs  wean  themselves.  See  that  they  have 
their  own  little  trough  where  they  can  get 
some  sweet  milk  until  the  weaning  is 
over. 

A Question  in  Weaning. 

How  is  the  best  way  to  wean  pigs? 

Ans.:  Give  the  pigs  all  the  solid  food 
they  will  eat  up  clean  while  sucking, 
and  they  will  become  accustomed  to  it 
gradually.  When  the  time  comes  to  sep- 
arate them  from  the  sow,  at  about  the 
end  of  the  eighth  week,  they  will  !»e  so 
well  prepared  for  the  change  that  they 
will  scarcely  notice  it. 

Nursing  Pigs. 

How  long  should  pigs  be  allowed  to 
nurse  the  sows? 

Ans.:  Until  they  get  ashamed  of  them- 
aelves.  Don’t  be  in  too  big  a hurry  to 


wean  them,  especially  if  the  sow*  s a 
good  milker.  If  the  sow  is  to  lave 
two  litters  a year  wean  the  pigs  vhen 
they  are  a little  over  two  months  old. 
otherwise  let  the  sow  wean  them. 

Breeding  Twice  a Year. 

Is  it  advisable  to  breed  sows  twice  a 
year? 

Ans.:  As  a rule,  no.  In  a cold  clinate 
one  litter  is  generally  considered  enough, 
though  two  litters  can  be  had  if  the 
sows  are  given  proper  care.  Such  breed- 
ing should  never  be  a practice  if  you  aie 
breeding  from  young  sows.  If  they  have 
gone  through  the  strain  of  breeding  and 
raising  a litter  they  should  not  be  ex- 
posed again,  but  everything  should  be 
done  to  perfect  their  health  and  grovth. 
If  you  wish  to  breed  two  litters  in  one 
year  take  old  sows  to  do  it. 

Two  Litters  a Year. 

If  two  litters  of  pigs  a year  are  desired 
what  is  the  best  time  for  them  to  be  bDrn 
and  how  soon  after  their  birth  in  the 
spring  should  the  sows  take  the  boar? 

Ans.:  If  two  litters  a year  are  wanted 
In  a cold  climate,  September  and  March 
would  be  the  best  times  for  birth.  With 
fall  pigs  coming  in  September  there  Is 
still  time  for  them  to  make  considerable 
gains  on  pasture  before  winter  sets  in, 
if  suitable  forage  has  been  prepared  for 
them.  This  will  make  the  production  of 
pork  much  cheaper  than  when  they  come 
a little  later  and  have  to  go  on  mill 
feed  immediately  after  being  weaned. 
When  the  second  litter  comes  in  March, 
by  the  time  the  little  fellows  are  ready 
to  wean  or  a little  after  they  can  be 
turned  into  a pasture  of  winter  rye  and 
will  make  good  gains  on  this  until  other 
pasture  is  ready.  When  two  litters  a year 
are  desired  the  sow  should  be  re-bred 
two  months  after  farrowing,  which  is  gen- 
erally the  first  heat  after  the  pigs  are 
weaned.  When  only  one  litter  is  desired, 
which  some  breeders  consider  the  best 
plan  in  this  latitude,  the  pigs  may  run 
with  the  dam  much  longer  and  the  sow 
need  not  be  re-bred  for  sixteen  or  eigh- 
teen weeks  after  farrowing. 

Number  of  Litters  a Year. 

Should  sows  have  one  or  two  litters  & 
year? 

Ans.:  This  must  be  decided  according 
to  the  breeder’s  convenience.  When  com- 
fortable shelter  is  provided  and  good 
pasture  can  be  secured,  October  pigs  are 
usually  as  profitable  as  those  farrowed 
in  the  spring.  March  and  April  pigs  come 
at  a season  when  they  need  little  care  and 
can  be  carried  through  the  summer  on 
pasture  at  a small  cost.  Sows  of  mature 
age  are  usually  strong  and  should  have  no 


BREEDING. 


7 


trouble  In  raising  two  litters  each  year  If 
they  receive  good  care. 

Number  of  Litters. 

Is  It  profitable  to  raise  more  than  ono 
litter  of  pigs  from  a sow  a year,  and  when 
should  I breed  her? 

Ans.:  It  does  not  pay  to  kill  the  goose 
that  lays  the  golden  egg.  A good  brood 
sow  is  about  as  profitable  an  animal  as  a 
person  can  own,  and  one  cannot  push  all 
sows  for  all  that  is  in  them.  A young 
sow  should  not  have  two  litters  the  first 
year,  but  the  two-year-old  sow  can,  as 
well  as  not,  providing  one  has  comfortable 
shelter,  so  as  to  have  her  farrow  about 
March  1st.  Then  let  the  pigs  nurse  until 
May  10th.  If  she  and  her  pigs  have  been 
liberally  fed,  she  can  be  bred  again  in 
May,  so  as  to  farrow  in  September.  But 
do  not  forget  that  the  whole  aim  and 
secret  is  live  growth,  obtained  from  the 
greatest  flow  of  milk.  Therefore  very 
liberal  and  judicious  feeding  must  go 
hand  in  hand,  and  only  the  strongest  and 
most  vigorous  sows  should  be  used  for 
this  purpose. 

One  Litter  Each  Year. 

I have  decided  that  in  this  cold  climate 
it  is  best  to  have  but  one  litter  a year. 
Under  such  conditions  would  it  not  be 
possible  and  also  best  to  allow  the  pigs 
to  stay  on  the  sows  a little  longer  than 
where  two  litters  are  raised  annually? 

Ans.:  A prominent  stockman  struck  the 
nail  on  the  head  when  he  said:  “When 
only  one  litter  of  pigs  is  raised  a year 
allow  them  to  run  with  the  old  sow  until 
they  get  ashamed  and  wean  themselves.” 

Fall  Litters. 

Why  do  some  farmers  object  to  raising 
a fall  litter? 

Ans.:  In  the  first  place,  some  would  not 
want  to  if  they  could  safely,  as  they  can 
see  no  money  in  fall  litters.  They  claim 
that  the  pigs  come  too  late  to  get  any 
pasture  the  first  year  and  are  sold  before 
they  can  get  anything  from  them  the 
next  season.  That  means  they  have  to 
be  raised  on  grain  alone,  which  makes 
pork  very  expensive.  In  order  to  raise 
the  second  litter  the  first  litter  has  to 
be  weaned  very  young  unless  they  come 
early  in  March  which  injures  them,  and 
the  second  litter  often  so  reduces  the 
vitality  of  the  mother  that  they  are  ready 
to  take  the  first  disease  that  is  in  the 
country.  It  has  been  claimed  that  more 
than  90  per  cent  of  the  hog  cholera  starts 
with  the  farmers  who  raise  fall  litters. 

Spring  or  Fall  Born  Pigs. 

When  is  a good  time  for  the  pigs  to  be 
dropped, — spring  or  fall? 

Ans.:  If  only  one  litter  a year  is  ex- 
pected just  as  soon  in  the  spring  as  they 
can  get  out  on  the  earth.  Fall  pigs,  un- 


less it  be  a few  to  take  the  skim  milk, 
as  a rule  are  unprofitable  as  they  of  ne- 
cessity have  to  be  raised  on  grain  instead 
of  pasture  and  are  very  expensive  to 
grow. 

Fall  or  Spring  Pigs? 

Which  is  more  profitable,  to  have  the 
pigs  come  in  the  spring  and  feed  them  up 
to  200  or  250  pounds  selling  them  in  the 
late  fall,  or  to  have  fall  pigs,  winter 
them  cheaply,  just  keeping  them  growing, 
turn  to  pasture  in  the  spring  and  fatten 
in  the  fall  at  from  twelve  to  fifteen  months 
of  age? 

Ans.:  The  first  plan  is  better  as  in 
winter  the  hog  is  a consumer  of  expensive 
foods,  and  the  amount  it  takes  to  get 
them  through  the  winter  would  carry  the 
spring  pigs  up  to  the  fattening  time. 
There  is  one  advantage  in  fall  pigs  and 
that  is  that  they  may  be  fattened  to 
turn  off  on  the  summer  and  early  fall  mar- 
ket which  is  usually  higher  than  in  the 
late  fall  and  winter.  . 

Time  for  Spring  Litters. 

When  is  a good  time  to  have  spring 
litters  come? 

Ans.:  Some  farmers  do  not  want  their 
sows  to  farrow  until  the  pigs  can  get  out 
on  the  round,  while  others  prefer  the  last 
half  of  April.  Those  who  intend  to  raise 
two  litters  arrange  so  as  to  have  their 
sows  farrow  as  early  in  March  as  possible 
so  as  to  re-breed  them  the  latter  part 
of  May. 

Number  of  Pigs  a Sow  Should  Have. 

How  many  pigs  should  a sow  have  be-- 
fore  she  is  butchered? 

Ans.:  That  will  depend  on  the  sow. 
When  a young  sow  has  only  four  or  five 
pigs,  or  shows  herself  to  be  a poor  milker 
or  a careless  mother,  the  sooner  she  is 
fattened  the  better;  but  if  she  does  fairly 
well  she  should  be  given  a second  trial. 
The  second  litter  is  usually  larger  than 
the  first.  If  she  then  proves  a good 
mother  and  her  pigs  develop  into  good 
porkers,  she  should  be  kept  as  a breeder 
until  she  can  be  replaced  by  a more 
prolific  and  better  animal. 

Number  of  Pigs  to  the  Litter. 

I have  two  brood  sows  five  and  six  years 
old  respectively.  One  has  never  had  more 
than  four  pigs  at  a time  while  the  other 
has  never  had  less  then  thirteen.  What 
is  generally  considered  the  right  number 
of  pigs  for  sows  to  have  on  an  average? 

Ans.:  Seven  or  eight  pigs  to  the  litter 
Is  the  proper  caper.  If  there  are  more 
it  seems  to  be  at  the  expense  of  quality, 
and  if  there  are  less  it  is  at  the  expense 
of  profit. 

Large  Litters. 

Which  has  the  most  to  do  with  large 
litters  of  pigs,  the  sire  or  dam?  Does  It 
depend  on  the  condition  they  are  in? 


8 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


Ans.:  No  one  can  expect  uniformly  good 
results  from  either  sows  or  boars  unless 
they  enjoy  their  full  vigor.  If  litters  are 
uniformly  small  throughout  the  herd, 
especially  if  sows  are  of  different  strains, 
the  sire  would  be  at  fault,  but  if  only 
certain  sows  farrow  small  litters,  the 
fault  must  be  with  them  and  they  should 
be  sent  to  the  block  and  sows  from  large 
litters  substituted  in  their  places. 

Number  of  Pigs  Dropped. 

Is  there  any  plan  to  have  sows  drop 
more  than  five  pigs? 

Ans.:  Yes,  it  is  possible  to  increase  the 
fecundity  of  sows  by  intelligent  selection, 
and  then  it  becomes  the  rule  rather  than 
the  exception.  Select  sows  from  fertile 
mothers,  and  at  the  same  time  select  sires 
out  of  prolific  families,  and  do  not  allow 
immature  breeding.  This  will  invariably 
result  in  larger  litters. 

Artificial  Abortion.  ? 

I have  a registered  sow  that  got  to  a 
scrub  boar  about  two  weeks  ago,  and  if 
she  is  with  pig  I want  to  know  if  there 
isn’t  something  I can  give  her  to  cause 
her  to  lose  them  soon.  I want  to  breed 
her  to  my  registered  boar. 

Ans.:  The  only  alternative  now  for  you 
is  an  operation  by  a competent  veteri- 
narian, and  even  that  is  rather  dangerous. 
The  medicines  used  to  gain  the  results 
desired  are  not  always  successful  and 
are  generally  very  dangerous,  Fluid  ex- 
tract of  ergot  is  the  drug  used  in  such 
cases.  Teaspoonful  doses  every  three 
hours  until  it  has  the  desired  effect.  The 
method  can  hardly  be  recommended. 

Sow  Overlying  Her  Young. 

I have  a very  good  sow,  but  the  last  time 
she  farrowed  she  seemed  to  be  quite  ex- 
cited and  either  trampled  some  of  her  pigs 
to  death  or  else  lay  on  them.  Otherwise 
she  is  a very  good  sow  and  if  I could  pre- 
vent this  trouble  I would  not  think  of  kill- 
ing her.  Is  there  anything  I can  do? 

Ans.:  A careless  mother  will  lose  some 
pigs  the  best  you  can  do.  As  farrowing 
time  approaches  be  sure  the  sow  is  in 
a pen  by  herself  with  a good  strong  rail 
or  plank  around  the  sides,  standing  out 
some  8 or  10  inches  and  about  8 inches 
from  the  ground.  This  will  prevent  the 
sow  from  rolling  or  tramping  on  her  pigs 
and  while  very  simple,  it  often  means  the 
profit  or  loss  of  the  litter. 

Losing  I’igs  After  Farrowing. 

One  of  my  sows  farrowed  during  a very 
cold  day.  I thought  she  could  take  care 
of  them  so  left  her  alone.  How  could  I 
have  saved  the  pigs? 

Ans.:  When  it  is  very  cold  the  pigs 
should  be  taken  away  as  fast  as  they  are 
born  and  put  in  a warm  basket,  but 
should  be  returned  to  the  sow  as  soon  as 
she  is  through.  If  pigs  are  worth  breed- 


ing, they  are  worth  caring  for,  and  when 
the  farrowing  is  properly  looked  after 
the  losses  will  be  very  small. 

Trouble  in  Farrowing. 

What  should  be  done  when  a sow  cannot 
give  birth  to  all  her  pigs  and  what  is  the 
cause  of  this  condition?  Two  of  my  young 
sows  were  bred  before  I intended  they 
should  be,  and  during  the  month  of  Jan- 
uary cold  weather  prevented  them  from 
receiving  the  proper  amount  of  exercise. 
They  farrowed  about  the  middle  of  Febru- 
ary and  there  are  only  four  pigs  left  out  of 
fourteen.  Some  were  born  dead,  others 
died  soon  after  birth  and  one  of  the  sows 
could  not  give  birth  to  all  her  pigs.  The 
entire  trouble  I blame  to  lack  of  exercise 
during  the  latter  part  of  the  period  of 
gestation.  Is  there  an  instrument  that  I 
could  use  in  such  cases? 

Ans.:  In  mentioning  the  lack  of  exer- 
cise you  have  no  doubt  located  at  least 
one  of  the  causes  of  the  sows  being  un- 
able to  farrow  properly  and  also  the  rea- 
son for  weak  or  dead  pigs.  However,  this 
is  probably  not  the  only  cause.  It  is 
very  evident  that  the  sows  were  too 
young  and  of  course  their  size  at  farrow- 
ing time  might  have  something  to  do 
with  their  inability  to  deliver  themselves 
of  the  entire  litter.  Another  very  impor- 
tant cause  of  the  above  mentioned  trouble 
is  too  heavy  feeding  of  grain  while  the 
sows  were  in  pig  and  lack  of  laxative 
foods  during  the  latter  part  of  the  oeriod 
of  gestation.  Breeders  make  it  a practice 
of  using  oats  or  barley  as  a very  promi- 
nent part  of  the  ration  for  brood  sows 
and  add  oil  meal  or  bran  quite  frequently. 
In  a case  such  as  above  mentioned  some 
farmers  give  a dose  of  linseed  oil  about 
four  days  before  farrowing  and  find  that 
it  proves  beneficial.  However,  this  should 
not  be  administered  previous  to  a week 
before  farrowing  time  as  it  might  cause 
abortion.  Constipation  is  another  cause 
of  this  trouble,  especially  among  young 
sows  and  this  can  be  avoided  largely  by 
the  foregoing  method.  In  sows  that  are 
small  the  trouble  in  farrowing  generally 
comes  after  the  pig  has  left  the  womb 
and  reaches  the  pelvic  arch.  In  such 
a case  they  can  be  located  easily  and 
there  are  various  instruments  used  to 
extract  them.  A very  plain  method  is  to 
take  a wire  hook  and  insert  this  in  the 
pig’s  mouth,  having  it  catch  on  the  lower 
jaw.  However,  this  method  is  rather 
rough  and  likely  to  injure  the  young  pig. 
A better  instrument  is  a regular  pig 
forceps  which  can  be  purchased  in  any 
hardware^ store  at  a cost  of  about  $1.00. 
When  attempting  to  remove  the  young 
pigs  while  they  are  still  alive  care  should 
be  taken  not  to  injure  the  tongue  in  any 
way  or  the  pig  will  be  unable  to  suck 
and  will  soon  die. 

Foss  of  Pigs. 

I had  five  sows  to  come  in  the  first  of 


FEEDING  HOGS. 


9 


April  and  lost  all  the  pig’s.  Most  of  them 
were  born  dead,  and  the  few  that  wero 
born  alive  died  a few  hours  after  birth. 
All  were  born  without  hair  and  varying 
in  size.  The  time  of  mating  until  the  far- 
rowing varied  from  112  to  118  days.  The 
sows  have  been  fed  ground  wheat  screen- 
ings and  corn-and-cob  meal,  all  steamed, 
and  fed  warm  three  times  a day  with  swill. 
They  look  in  good  order.  They  have  been 
allowed  to  run  around  the  yard  and  clean 
up  droppings  after  cattle  that  were  fed 
soft  corn  on  stalk.  They  have  had  salt 
and  ashes. 

Ans.:  The  cause  may  be  due  to  injury 
by  the  cattle  which  they  were  with,  or 
due  to  something  they  have  eaten  which 
has  caused  a derangement  of  the  nerve 
centers.  The  first  cause  is  probably  the 
one. 

Pigs  Die  Soon  After  Birth* 

Had  two  brood  sows  last  winter;  they 
wintered  in  good  shape  and  looked  fine 
until  they  farrowed;  the  litters  got  sick 
and  died,  as  did  also  one  of  the  sows.  The 
other  got  stiff  and  gaunt  and  would  eat 
only  enough  to  keep  her  alive.  She  has 
continued  so  all  summer  though  slightly 
improved  now.  What  is  the  trouble,  its 
cause  and  cure? 

Ans.:  Without  knowing  how  the  sows 
were  fed  and  cared  for  it  would  be  im- 
possible to  tell  what  was  the  trouble  with 
the  pigs.  In  all  probability  there  was 
something  not  quite  right  about  the  food 
or  feeding.  But  it  would  be  useless  to 
try  and  tell  what  the  trouble  may  have 
been  without  more  information. 

Breeding  With  a View  of  Fattening. 

Would  it  be  advisable  to  breed  sows 
after  farrowing  with  a view  to  have  them 
fatten  more  easily  after  the  pigs  are 
weaned? 

Ans.:  All  things  considered,  it  would 
be  better  not  to  breed  the  sow  again 
after  farrowing  where  they  are  intended 
to  be  fattened. 


Early  Maturity. 

Is  much  importance  attached  to  early 
maturity? 

Ans.:  Yes,  a person  should  select  a hog 
that  is  reasonably  well  matured,  but  not 
so  early  matured  that  they  do  not  have 
size  and  constitution. 

Raising  Pure-Bred  Animals. 

I have  some  pretty  good  hogs  although 
they  are  not  pure-breds.  Would  there  be 
money  in  raising  this  sort  of  stock  to  sell 
for  breeding  purposes? 

Ans.:  The  man  who  is  raising  hogs  to 
be  sold  as  breeding  animals  can  not  be 
too  careful  to  breed  only  pure-breds.  If 
you  were  going  into  the  pork  business 
your  idea  would  be  a good  one  if  you 
have  good  strong  stock.  You  would  cer- 
tainly fall  down  should  you  attempt  to 
raise  anything  but  pure-breds  to  sell  for 
breeders. 

Breed  vs.  Feed. 

My  neighbor  and  I have  gotten  into  a 
dispute  as  to  which  is  of  the  greater  im- 
portance in  successful  hog  raising,  breed- 
ing or  feeding. 

Ans.;  Neither  feed  nor  breed  alone 
makes  the  good  hog,  but  a judicious 
combination  of  the  two. 

Broken  Down  Pigs. 

If  pigs  break  down,  is  there  any  way 
Of  building  them  up  again  for  breeders? 

Ans.:  The  older  they  get  the  worse  they 
get.  Be  careful  never  to  use  a pig  of 
that  kind  for  breeding  purposes,  for  the 
reason  that  there  is  no  defect  that  it 
will  transmit  as  soon  as  this  one.  It 
doesn’t  matter  how  good  the  hog  is  other- 
wise if  it  has  this  defect  don’t  breed 
from  it. 


Feeding. 


Feeding  Hogs. 

Feeding  the  Boar. 

How  should  a boar  be  fed  so  that  he 
will  do  better  service?  I haven’t  enough 
sows  for  two  boars  but  they  seem  to  be 
almost  too  much  for  one. 

Ans.:  Keep  him  as  quiet  as  possible,  and 
his  food  should  be  such  as  will  give  him 
strength  and  vitality,  but  not  too  fatten- 
ing. He  will  do  better  service  when  he 
has  sufficient  grazing  to  give  him  exercise 
and  only  sufficient  grain  food  to  keep 
him  in  good  condition  without  becoming 
so  fat  as  to  be  heavy  and  unwieldy. 


Feeding  Fattening  Hogs. 

Should  fattening  hogs  be  fed  all  they 
will  eat? 

Ans.:  Do  not  feed  them  any  more  than 
they  will  eat  up  clean.  More  than  this 
is  only  a waste  and  is  apt  to  get  them 
“off  their  feed.” 

Corn  for  Fattening  Hogs. 

I have  a lot  of  hogs  to  fatten  this  fall 
and  not  very  much  corn  to  give  them. 
Had  I better  sell  off  the  entire  bunch  or 
try  to  get  along  with  some  other  foods? 

Ans.:  There  are  still  those  who  firmly 
believe  that  corn  is  the  only  hog  food. 
While  it  is  perhaps  better  than  any  other 
one  food,  yet  At  is  not  necessarily  the  only 


to 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


food  for  hogs.  In  a series  of  experiments 
conducted  by  the  Iowa  Experiment  Station 
they  found:  1.  That'  in  the  fattening  of 

young  hogs  a ration  containing  more 
protein  and  ash  than  a corn  ration  gave 
better  results  than  a ration  of  corn  alone. 

2.  That  a ration  consisting  of  five  parts 
of  corn  and  one  part  of  Swift’s  tankage 
yielded  over  thirty-four  per  cent  greater 
net  profits  than  a ration  of  corn  alone. 

3.  That  a ration  consisting  of  five  parts 
corn  and  one  part  Darling’s  beef  meal 
yielded  over  twenty-two  per  cent  greater 
net  profits  than  a ration  of  corn  alone.  4. 
That  a ration  of  corn  and  standard  food 
yielded  over  ten  per  cent  greater  net  profits 
than  a ration  of  corn  alone.  5.  That  a ration 
consisting  of  five  parts  corn  and  one  part 
Armour’s  tankage  yielded  over  seven  per 
cent  greater  net  profits  than  a ration  of 
corn  alone.  With  these  results  from  such 
a corn  state  as  Iowa,  Minnesota  farm- 
ers should  get  down  to  business  and  put 
aside  the  exploded  theory  that  corn  is 
the  only  hog  food  and  that  there  is  no 
use  trying  to  buck  up  against  the  corn 
belt  states  in  the  production  of  pork. 

Profitable  Way  to  Feed  Corn. 

What  is  the  most  profitable  way  to  feed 
corn  to  fattening  hogs? 

Ans.:  The  most  profitable  way  is  to 
feed  on  a feed  floor  that  is  kept  clean, 
and  feed  no  more  at  any  time  than  the 
fattening  animals  will  eat  up  quickly 
and  clean.  If  the  corn  is  very  dry  and 
flinty,  it  will  pay  to  shell  and  soak  it,  es- 
pecially for  young  pigs.  Even  shelled 
corn  should  be  scattered  on  a feed  floor 
rather  than  fed  in  troughs,  as  the  pigs 
will  pick  it  up  more  slowly  and  masticate 
It  more  fully  and  will  get  needed  exercise 
doing  it. 

Corn  Fattened  Hogs. 


In  combination  with  the  corn.  This  would 
also  render  the  hogs  less  liable  to  dis- 
ease. Corn  alone  is  an  unbalanced  ration 
and  is  not  good  for  the  hogs  when  fed 
that  way. 

Balancing  the  Ration. 

I had  a lot  of  corn  left  over  from  last 
year.  How  will  it  do  to  feed  it  this  sum- 
mer to  my  hogs? 

Ans.:  Corn  is  too  heating  a food  to  be 

fed  alone  to  hogs  during  the  summer. 
Where  it  is  given  in  large  amounts  green 
and  succulent  foods  must  be  provided  to 
balance  the  ration.  There  is  nothing  bet- 
ter than  clover  or  field  peas  for  hog 
pasture.  Where  the  above  foods  are  grown 
on  the  farm  and  fed  in  a combination  with 
roots,  good  results  always  follow. 

Amount  of  Corn  Necessary  to  Feed  a Hog. 

If  fed  judiciously,  how  much  corn  will  it 
take  to  fatten  a hog,  say  to  about  250  or 
300  pounds? 

Ans.:  A well  bred  hog  properly  fed 
will  convert  one  bushel  of  corn  into  12 
pounds  of  pork. 

Corn  for  Hogs. 

I have  a few  hundred  bushels  of  corn. 
Would  it  pay  to  buy  hogs  and  feed  it  to 
them  this  fall  rather  than  to  sell  the  corn 
for  35  or  40  cents  a bushel? 

Ans.:  If  you  have  got  the  right  kind 

of  hogs,  that  is,  good  feeders,  and  give 
them  personal  attention,  it  would  be  more 
profitable  to  feed  your  corn  than  to  sell  it 
at  35  or  40c  a bushel. 

The  Value  of  Corn  as  a Food. 

How  much  pork  is  one  bushel  of  corn 
calculated  to  produce? 

Ans.:  One  bushel  of  corn  fed  to  good, 
thrifty  hogs  should  produce  from  10  to  12 
pounds  of  meat. 


Is  it  economy  to  fatten  hogs  wholly  on 
corn  and  water,  or  would  it  be  better  -to  - 
give  a portion  of  the  feed  ground  and 
slop?  What  slop  should  be  fed,  and  wnat 
should  it  consist  of  in  connection  with 
corn? 

Ans.:  Mature  hogs  can  be  fattened  on 
corn  and  water,  but  growing'  h;dgj3  sjfrfruld 
have  some  slop  feed.  They  hav«*tAuscle 
and  bone  to  make  as  well  as  fat  to  put  on 
and  this  requires  a growing  fe|d7  ^hefit 
middlings  or  wheat  middlings  and^^fil 
meal  make  the  best  slop.  When  barley 


Green  Corn. 

WUl  ^yeen  corn  cause  hog  cholera? 

> Green  corn  in  large  quantities 

will  dfsabrange  a hog’s  stomach  so  that 
Very  apt  to  take  hog  cholera.  Cholera 
''"is1  caused  by  a disease  germ  and  the  weak- 
t ,eu*.^.nimals,  such  As  those  fed  too  largely 
\ oK'Va  /dfctfn  d-Tet,.  are  more  apt  to  fall  a 
pre$  To"  ’R.-tV^h.rthdse  fed  a mixed  ration 
.--$on  ;eqpently  are  healthier. 


x . 


<Sre*%  ybtfrn  for  Hogs. 


is  cheap  one-third  barley  meal  might  be 
used. 

Feeding  Corn  In  the  Corn  Belt. 

We  have  been  feeding  our  hogs  mostly 
corn  the  year  through'  and  we  notice  that 
they  are  susceptible  to  disease.  Is  there 
any  way  we  can  avoid  this  trouble? 


I have  a considerable  amount  of  green 
corn  that  was  planted  too  late  for  the  ears 
to  mature  before  frost.  If  I cut  it  and 
feed  it  green  to  my  hogs  can  I feed  them 
for  market  this  way? 

Ans.:  Green  corn,  stalk  and  all,  Is  a 
good  starter  for  the  hogs  but  it  must 
not  be  their  entire  ration.  Some  dry  feed 


Ans.:  In  the  corn  belt  much  better  re- 
sults could  be  obtained  by  feeding  more 
succulent  foods  such  as  clover  and  peas 


such  as  old  corn  or  barley  with  a little  oil 
meal  is  indispensable  in  keeping  up  their 
strength  and  regulating  their  bowels. 


FEEDING  HOGS. 


11 


Green  Fodder  for  Hosts. 

I have  a lot  of  green  fodder  corn  over 
and  above  what  is  necessary  to  fill  my 
silo.  I also  have  a lot  of  hogs  and  the 
pasture  is  running  short.  Would  it  pay 
to  feed  this  fodder  corn  to  my  hogs  and 
how  much  should  I give  them? 

Ans.:  Fodder  corn  makes  an  excellent 

hog  food  during  the  fall.  If  possible 
cut  it  for  them  every  day,  and  give  them 
all  that  they  will  eat  up  clean.  While 
it  is  green  the  hogs  will  chew  it  all  up, 
ear  and  stak,  and  there  will  not  be  the 
waste  that  would  of  course  follow  if  the 
fodder  were  dried. 

Feeding  Screenings  and  Corn. 

What  would  be  the  best  way  of  feeding 
hogs  wheat  screenings,  ground  or  whole? 
Corn,  shelled  or  on  the  cob? 

Ans.:  Soak  the  screenings  and  if  pos- 
sible in  cold  weather  strain  and  feed  to 
stock  in  a thin  condition.  Feed  the  corn 
direct  without  any  preparation  unless  it 
is  very  hard.  In  such  a case  it  would  be 
better  to  soak  it. 

Value  of  Wheat. 

How  much  is  wheat  worth  to  feed,  when 
hogs  are  worth  $3.50  per  hundredweight? 

Ans.:  The  average  feeder  will  not  make 
more  than  10  pounds  of  live  weight  from 
60  pounds  of  wheat.  Including  the  tolls 
and  grinding,  it  would  be  worth  35c  per 
bushel. 

Wheat  for  Hogs. 

Is  dry,  unground  wheat  good  feed  to  fat- 
ten hogs,  or  would  it  be  better  to  grind 
it? 

Ans.:  For  hogs  wheat  will  give  better 

results  if  ground  before  feeding. 

Winter  Rye. 

How  does  winter  rye  compare  with  corn 
for  fattening  purposes? 

Ans.:  Winter  rye  does  not  compare 
favorably  with  corn  for  fattening;  as 
hogs  would  soon  tire  of  an  exclusive  rye 
feed. 

Spelt*  for  Swine. 

Will  speltz  furnish  a good  food  for 
swine? 

Ans.:  While  the  hull  is  so  coarse  that  in 
the  unground  form  it  would  not  make  a 
first  class  hog  food,  when  ground  it  is 
quite  palatable.  It  could  be  used  to  ad- 
vantage along  with  barley  and  oats.  It 
is  a food  that  will  probably  prove  more 
valuable  to  farmers  north  rather  than 
south,  of  the  latitude  of  St.  Paul. 

The  Value  of  Spelt*  for  Hogs. 

How  about  the  advisability  of  raising 
speltz  for  hogs.  What  is  its  value  for 
feeding  purposes  compared  with  barley? 

Ans.:  Speltz,  pound  for  pound,  is  not 
considered  quite  equal  to  barley  for  feed- 
ing purposes.  It  has  a larger  amount 
of  pulp  than  barley,  consequently  it  is  not 


quite  so  perfect  a food  for  hogs.  Ex- 
periments at  the  South  Dakota  station 
tend  to  show  that  it  is  not  quite  so 
good  as  barley,  although  it  is  a very  good 
food  if  fed  in  proper  combinations. 
There  are  sections  of  the  country  where 
it  will  yield  far  more  than  barley,  especial- 
ly in  places  where  hardy  grain  is  re- 
quired. For  North  and  South  Dakota,  it 
would  be  safe  to  sow  at  least  a limited 
area  of  it  on  trial  with  other  crops. 

Ground  Speltz  for  Hogs. 

Is  ground  speltz  to  be  recommended  as 
a grain  ration  for  hogs? 

Ans.:  Speltz  is  said  to  make  a very 
fair  hog  feed  when  ground  and  made  into 
slop.  Where  corn  and  other  grains  can 
be  raised  successfully  you  should  not 
bother  with  speltz,  as  it  has  too  much 
hull  to  make  it  an  ideal  hog  feed. 

Millet  Seed  for  Fattening  Swine. 

Is  millet  seed  a good  feed  for  fattening 
swine  and  would  it  pay  to  grow  it  for  this 
purpose  alone? 

Ans.:  The  South  Dakota  Experiment 
Station  made  some  extensive  experiments 
in  fattening  swine  on  millet  seed  with  the 
following  results:  1.  Millet  seed  can  be 

grown  profitably  as  a fattening  ration 
for  swine.  2.  It  doesn’t  furnish  as  good 
a ration  as  either  barley  or  wheat  for 
swine.  3.  On  account  of  being  so  well 
adapted  to  the  conditions  of  that  state 
and  so  palatable  a feed,  where  you  have 
a place  in  the  rotation  of  crops  for  it, 
it  should  be  grown  on  every  stock  farm. 
4.  It  was  not  so  profitable  to  feed  for  a 
period  of  84  days  as  it  was  for  56  days 
as  the  rate  of  gain  decreased.  5.  The 
carcasses  of  the  lot  fed  on  millet  were 
clothed  with  pure  fat  of  superior  quality 
as  compared  with  the  fat  of  those  fat- 
tened on  barley  and  wheat.  6.  It  required 
1-5  more  millet  than  it  did  barley  meal 
and  a trifle  more  barley  meal  than  it  did 
wheat  to  make  a pound  of  gain.  7.  A 
bushel  of  56  pounds  of  millet  is  equal  to 
a bushel  of  48  pounds  of  barley  for  hog 
feed.  8.  Millet  meal  was  found  not  to  be 
so  good  for  a.  fattening  ration  as  barley 
meal  or  wheat  meal  during  extremely  cold 
weather. 

Millet  for  Hogs. 

Is  millet  good  feed  for  pigs? 

Ans.:  Those  who  have  fed  millet  seed 
to  pigs  claim  very  good  results  from  us- 
ing it.  However,  it  would  be  well  to  use 
caution  until  the  right  amount  to  feed 
can  be  determined. 

Flax  Seed  for  Hogs. 

Would  it  be  well  to  give  hogs  of  about 
150  pounds  some  flax  seed  once  in  a while 
to  tone  them  up?  If  so,  how  often  and 
how  much? 

Ans.:  It  would  be  much  better  to  feed 


12 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


ground  oil  cake  than  flax  seed  for  this 
purpose.  Not  more  than  ^ of  a pound 
should  be  fed  per  animal  per  day,  and 
sometimes  every  other  day  would  be  often 
enough  to  feed  that  quantity.  To  feed 
much  flax  would  likely  impair  the  ap- 
petite of  the  pigs. 

Linseed  Meal. 

Is  linseed  meal  good  for  hogs  and  pigs? 

Ans.:  If  linseed  meal  can  be  obtained 
at  reasonable  prices,  compared  with  other 
grains,  all  right.  It  constitutes,  as  a 
small  part  of  the  ration,  the  essential 
elements  of  bone-and  muscle-forming 
food,  being  of  a highly  nitrogenous  na- 
ture; besides  this,  it  prevents  constipation 
and  thus  promotes  health. 

Oil  Cake  for  Fattening. 

Is  it  wise  to  feed  oil  cake  to  fattening 
hogs? 

Ans.:  Feeding  ground  oil  cake  is  good 
under  all  and  every  condition.  There  is 
nothing  that  gives  so  much  satisfaction  as 
a ration  that  contains  oil  cake.  Be  care- 
ful not  to  feed  it  too  liberally  at  first. 
They  need  only  enough  to  keep  the  bow- 
els In  good  order. 

Oil  Meal. 

Is  oil  meal  a good  feed  for  hogs? 

Ans.:  It  is.  Begin  on  a very  small  ra- 
tion, however.  It  should  be  mixed  with 
other  feed  and  give  only  enough  to  keep 
the  bowels  free. 

Barley  Meal. 

Is  barley  meal  good  for  hog  feed? 

Ans.:  Barley  meal  is  good  food  for 
hogs,  providing  there  is  some  shorts 
mixed  with  it,  as  hogs  will  tire  of  clear 
barley  meal.  It  is  well  to  mix  it  with 
boiled  potatoes. 

Corn-and-Cob  Meal. 

Is  it  better  to  feed  corn  ground  with  the 
cobs,  and  to  what  animals  may  it  be  fed 
to  advantage? 

Ans.:  It  may  be  fed  to  fattening  steers, 
cows  and  fattening  hogs.  It  has  been 
found  that  hogs  will  make  the  same  live 
gain  with  100  pounds  corn-and-cob  meal 
as  with  100  pounds  of  clear  meal,  but  it 
should  be  ground  fine  for  hogs. 

Spoiled  Beans  for  Hogs. 

I have  several  bushels  of  beans  which 
spoiled  during  heavy  rains  last  fall.  Some 
have  sprouted  and  others  turned  yellow. 
Will  they  make  good  hog  feed  if  I get 
them  ground? 

Ans.:  Provided  these  beans  are  not  rot- 
ted there  is  no  reason  why  they  should 
not  furnish  an  excellent  food  for  hogs. 
You  might  grind  the  beans  and  feed  them 
mixed  with  middlings  in  the  form  of  a 
slop.  This  should  make  an  excellent  ra- 


tion for  young  pigs  and  there  is  no  reas- 
on why  it  should  injure  the  flesh. 

Creamery  Milk  for  Hogs. 

Is  there  any  danger  in  feeding  creamery 
milk  to  hogs? 

Ans.:  There  is  no  danger  in  feeding 
creamery  milk  to  pigs,  but  there  is  dan- 
ger and  loss  in  feeding  it  to  excess.  In 
order  to  get  the  full  value  of  skim  milk 
with  little  pigs  just  weaned  or  being 
weaned,  the  milk  should  be  at  least 
eighty  or  ninety  degrees  F’.,  and  should 
be  sweet. 

Hogs  Without  Dairy. 

Would  it  pay  to  raise  hogs  if  I do  not 
keep  a dairy? 

Ans.:  If  possible  you  should  keep  both  a 
dairy  and  hogs.  Hogs  can  be  raised 
without  milk,  but  better  hogs  and  cheap- 
er hogs  can  be  raised  with  it. 

Buttermilk  for  Hogs. 

What  is  the  value  of  buttermilk  for 
hogs? 

Ans.:  It  has  about  the  same  value  as 
sweet  skim  milk.  Its  value  will  vary 
with  the  price  of  the  grain  being  fed  at 
the  time. 

Buttermilk  or  Skim  Milk? 

Which  is  the  most  profitable  to  feed 
hogs,  buttermilk  from  the  creamery  or 
skim  milk? 

Ans.:  Something  depends  on  the  age  of 
the  hogs  and  the  condition  of  the  milk. 
For  brood  sows  nursing  their  young  and 
for  young  pigs,  good,  sweet  skim  milk  is 
better  than  buttermilk.  For  large  hogs 
there  is  probably  very  little  difference  in 
the  feeding  value  of  the  two  as  ordinarily 
obtained  from  the  creamery. 

Swill. 

How  many  times  a day  should  hogs  be 
fed  swill? 

Ans.:  Twice  a day  in  the  winter.  A 
horse  fed  in  the  morning  a full  feed  of 
oats,  four  or  six  quarts,  and  then  filled 
up  with  water,  will  not  get  all  the  good- 
ness of  the  oats.  Practice  that  same  idea 
with  your  hogs;  if  you  always  feed  them 
the  slop  first  and  the  dry  feed  afterwards, 
they  will  do  better  than  to  reverse  it. 

Swill  While  Fattening. 

Should  any  swill  be  fed  while  fattening? 

Ans.:  Yes.  Hogs  that  fatten  easily  are 
usually  pigs  that  have  grown  well.  To 
feed  economically  they  must  have  a grow- 
ing feed.  There  is  nothing  better  than 
wheat  middlings  or  shorts  for  this  pur- 
pose, and  when  fed  in  connection  with 
corn  makes  a very  good  fattening  ration. 

Sulphur  or  Copperas  in  Slop. 

Would  it  be  wise  to  put  sulphur,  cop- 
peras, salt  or  baking  soda  in  hogs’  slop? 


FEEDING  HOGS. 


15 


Ans. : No.  If  you  want  to  feed  any  or 
all  of  the  above  mix  it  with  wood  ashes 
and  then  they  would  not  be  compelled  to 
eat  more  than  they  wanted,  as  they  would 
in  case  you  fed  with  slop.  A consider- 
able quantity  of  salt  mixed  with  swill 
becomes  poison  to  hogs. 

Squash  Feeding. 

How  should  squash  be  fed? 

Ans.:  Feed  them  both  raw  and  steamed. 
The  advantage  the  squash  has  over  the 
pumpkin  is  that  if  the  pumpkin  freezes  it 
is  worthless;  but  it  is  not  so  with  the 
squash.  Three  or  four  loads  of  squash 
can  be  put  in  a straw  pile  and  used  in 
December  and  January.  In  the  winter 
time  they  can  be  steamed.  Cut  them  up, 
put  them  in  a barrel,  and  steam  them 
thoroughly.  Then  mix  the  other  food 
with  them.  Do  not  use  the  hard  shell; 
use  the  larger  yellow  variety  of  squash. 
Remember  when  feeding  the  animals,  es- 
pecially if  you  have  fed  them  on  grain 
or  corn,  that  their  teeth  have  become 
sore,  and  it  is  better  to  cut  the  squash. 

Pumpkins  in  Winter. 

P^ould  pumpkins  be  fed  to  hogs  in  win- 
ter? 

Ans.:  If  they  could  be  kept  from  freez- 
ing and  rotting  a few  would  be  good  for 
succulence.  However,  they  are  no  good 
if  allowed  to  freeze. 

When  to  Feed  Pumpkins. 

Should  one  begin  to  feed  pumpkins 
when  green  or  wait  until  they  are  ripe? 

Ans.:  Do  not  feed  pumpkins  until  they 
are  ripe.  They  are  then  more  whole- 
some than  when  green  and  the  feeder 
then  has  his  pumpkin  crop  to  fall  back  on 
after  the  pasture  is  short  or  entirely 
gone. 

Roots. 

Are  roots  good  feed  for  hogs? 

Ans.:  Roots  are  considered  among  the 
best  of  feed  but  they  must  be  fed  very 
moderately,  particularly  to  young  stock. 

Mangels  for  Hogs. 

Are  mangels  good  for  hogs? 

Ans.:  They  are.  There  are  many  in- 
stances where  hogs  are  fed  mangels  with 
very  little  grain  and  grow  very  nicely 
on  them. 

Roots  for  Swine. 

I have  grown  quite  a root  crop  with  the 
intention  of  feeding  them  to  swine,  but 
one  of  my  neighbors  tells  me  that  they 
make  a poor  hog  food.  What  shall  I do 
with  them? 

Ans.:  If  you  have  a lot  of  roots,  600 
pounds  of  them  will  save  you  about  100 
pounds  of  grain  in  the  feeding  of  swine. 
You  had  better  not  listen  to  the  advice  of 
your  neighbor  in  this  regard  until  he  can 


back  up  his  statements  by  actual  experi- 
ence. 

Sugar  Beets  for'  Hogs. 

Will  sugar  beets  fatten  hogs?  What 
had  I better  raise  for  hogs?  In  this  coun- 
try roots  do  well. 

Ans.:  Sugar  beets  are  an  excellent  food 
for  fattening  swine,  but  grain  should  be 
fed  freely  along  with  them.  Brood  sows 
will  winter  well  on  sugar  beets.  The 
cheapest  roots  to  raise  for  swine  are 
rutabagas  or  mangels.  They  require  less 
labor  than  any  other  root^.  except  turnips. 

Small  Potatoes  for  Swine. 

I have  just  sorted  over  my  potatoes  and 
find  that  I have  two  or  three  hundred 
bushels  of  very  small  ones.  How  much 
would  they  be  worth  per  bushel  if  fed  to 
swine?  Would  they  be  improved  by  cook- 
ing, and  about  how  many  pounds  should 
be  fed  daily  to  each  good  sized  shoat? 

Ans.:  Numerous  experiments  in  feeding 
small  potatoes  to  swine  indicate  that  at 
average  hog  prices  they  are  worth  about 
10  cents  per  bushel  for  this  purpose.  They 
are  certainly  much  improved  by  cooking, 
and  a good  sized  shoat  can  make  use  of 
from  ten  to  fifteen  pounds  per  day. 

Feeding  Value  of  Potatoes. 

What  Is  /the  relative  feeding  value  of 
potatoes  compared  with  rutabagas  or 
mangels,  for  hogs? 

Ans.:  Potatoes  possess  the  highest  feed- 
ing value  of  the  three,  but  no  one  of  these 
foods  alone  could  be  relied  upon  as  a 
food  for  swine.  It  would  depend  largely 
upon  the  cost  of  production  and  feeding 
them  in  conjunction  with  grain.  It  takes 
450  pounds  of  potatoes  to  equal  100 
pounds  of  corn  meal. 

Potatoes  for  Hogs. 

How  are  potatoes  for  hogs? 

Ans.:  They  are  very  good  in  small 
quantities  fed  raw  to  breeding  stock  in 
winter,  as  they  give  succulence.  They 
have  to  be  cooked  if  they  are  to  be  fed 
at  a profit  in  any  considerable  quantities. 
Do  not  feed  potatoes  to  any  great  extent 
if  they  can  be  put  on  the  market  at  any- 
thing like  a fair  price. 

Silage  for  Hogs. 

Is  silage  good  feed  for  hogs? 

Ans.:  Ensilage  is  said  to  be  very  good 
feed  for  hogs  when  fed  in  small  quanti- 
ties along  with  some  grain. 

Pushing  Hogs  for  Market. 

I have  a number  of  hogs  that  I am  push- 
ing for  market  as  fast  as  possible.  Can 
they  stand  excessive  crowding  or  is  there 
anything  I might  do  that  might  add  to 
their  general  health? 

Ans.:  When  hogs  are  under  high  pres- 
sure, like  any  other  high  pressure  ma- 
chine, they  must  have  the  most  careful  at- 
tention. While  they  are  being  pushed  for 


14 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


market,  furnish  water,  salt,  charcoal  or 
crushed  soft  coal,  and  a comfortable  bed. 
These  are  all  very  necessary  to  the  good 
health  of  his  hog-ship  and  the  profit  of 
the  owner. 

Mixed  Food. 

Which  is  the  better  food  for  hogs,  wheat 
alone,  or  mixed  with  barley,  both  being 
ground  fine? 

Ans.:  A mixed  food  will  always  give 
better  results,  but  if  using  only  one, 
when  the  hogs  are  growing,  the  wheat 
would  give  better  results.  When  fatten- 
ing, it  would  give  satisfactory  results. 

One  Food  or  a Variety? 

Should  I feed  my  hogs  corn  all  the  time? 
I have  lots  of  it,  or  would  it  be  better  to 
feed  a variety? 

An,s.:  It  should  be  the  object  of  every 
hog  raiser  to  induce  his  animals  to  eat  as 
much  as  possible,  and  the  greater  the 
variety  in  the  diet  the  greater  will  be  the 
amount  of  feed  consumed.  The  cheapest 
hog  food  is  a crop  that  they  can  harvest 
themselves,  supplemented  with  grain  and 
other  foods  suited  to  the  age  and  condition 
of  the  animals. 

Number  of  Meals  a Day. 

Hdw  many  times  should  hogs  be  fed  a 
day? 

Ans.:  Hogs  should  be  fed  three  times 
a day,  at  regular  feeding  hours,  and 
twice  a day  when  on  pasture;  but  should 
always  have  access  to  pure  water. 

Feeding  Brood  Sows. 

Feeding  Brood  Sow*. 

How  should  brood  sows  be  fed? 

Ans.:  Feed  them  whole  oats  scattered 
thinly  over  a feed  floor,  wheat  bran,  and 
a little  corn  in  cold  weather  to  keep  up 
the  animal  heat.  Give  them  all  the  clo- 
ver hay  they  will  eat.  Remember  they 
must  have  plenty  of  exercise  and  sun- 
shine with  good  wholesome  food,  if  strong 
healthy  litters  are  to  be  expected. 

Increasing  the  Size  of  Litters. 

I have  a number  of  sows.  Is  there  any- 
thing that  I can  feed  them  that  will  tend 
to  increase -the  size  of  their  litters?  I have 
had  very  poor  results  in  this  regard  of 
late. 

Ans.:  If  you  wish  a large  number  of 
healthy  pigs  next  spring,  don’t  feed  the 
brood  sows  with  the  fattening  hogs. 
The  bone  and  muscle  feed  that  is  com- 
monly given  to  cows  would  better  suit 
their  needs. 

Feed  for  Brood  Sow  in  Snmmer. 

What  is  the  best  feed  for  a brood  sow 
In  summer? 

Ans.:  A run  on  pasture  that  has  a good 


mixture  of  clover,  mill  feed  made  into 
slop,  and  a little  corn  to  keep  up  the  con- 
dition of  the  sow  after  the  pigs  are  four 
weeks  old. 

Feeding  the  Brood  Sow. 

Should  a sow  be  kept  fat  or  thin  or  just 
in  fair  condition?  I have  one  that  is 
getting  rather  fat,  I think,  but  she  is 
healthy.  Will  her  being  fat  make  any 
difference  in  the  size  of  her  litter? 

Ans.:  So  long  as  she  continues  in  good 
health  and  is  making  a fair  growth  the 
fatness  will  not  make  her  less  prolific, 
and  she  will  usually  produce  larger  litters 
and  stronger  pigs  than  if  thin.  This  is 
especially  true  of  young  sows. 

Grain  for  Brood  Sow. 

How  much  grain  does  a brood  sow  of 
two  hundred  or  two  hundred  and  fifty 
pounds  need  per  day? 

Ans.:  It  depends  on  the  kind  of  grain. 
Her  ration  should  not  be  wholly  of  corn. 
If  a mixed  ration,  seven  pounds  per  day 
would  keep  up  a pregnant  sow  of  two 
hundred  and  fifty  pounds  weight  in  grow- 
ing condition. 

Feed  for  Brood  Sow. 

Will  a feed  of  corn,  ground  oats  and 
barley  be  good  for  the  brood  sow? 

Ans.:  Yes,  ground  oats  and  barley  made 
into  a thick  slop,  with  a little  corn,  would 
make  very  good  feed  for  a brood  sow. 
The  ration  could  be  improved,  when  the 
sows  were  not  running  on  pasture,  by 
adding  a little  bright  clover  hay. 

Changing  from  Corn  to  Oats. 

Will  it  be  good  to  change  from  corn  to 
oats  in  feeding  brood  sows?  I have  fed 
corn  about  eighty  days  since  I bred  them. 

Ans.:  The  change  proposed  is  a good 
one.  A pregnant  sow  should  have  only  a 
moderate  allowance  of  corn. 

Ground  Oats  for  Brood  Sows. 

Is  it  advisable  to  feed  ground  oats  to 
brood  sows? 

Ans.:  Yes,  ground  oats  is  good  feed.  It 
may  be  fed  either  as  a mash  or  thin  slop 
along  with  pasture  and  a very  little  corn. 

Oats  for  Sows. 

Would  it  be  as  well  to  feed  whole  oats 
to  brood  sows  as  ground  oats? 

Ans.:  Yes,  whole  oats  gives  just  as  good 
results  and  saves  the  labor  and  expense  of 
grinding. 

Oats  and  Peas  for  Sows. 

What  is  the  matter  with  oats  and  peas 
as  a ration  after  farrowing? 

Ans.:  Oats  and  peas  are  all  right  in 
localities  where  peas  can  be  grown. 
Peas  generally  grow  best  after  timothy. 

Flax  Seed  Meal  for  Brood  Sow. 

Would  flax  seed  meal  be  good  feed  for 
the  brood  sow? 


FEEDING  BROOD  SOWS. 


15 


Ans.:  In  small  quantities  with  other 
feed  it  is  very  good  as  it  tends  to  tone 
up  the  system  and  keep  the  bowels  open. 

Feeding  Flax  to  Sows. 

I have  some  flax  that  is  not  worth 
threshing.  Will  it  do  to  let  breeding  sows 
eat  it.  before  or  after  being  bred? 

Ans,:  Much  will  depend  on  the  amount 
of  flax  seed  ill  the  straw  as  to  how  freely 
sows  may  be  allowed  to  eat  it.  In  any 
event,  it  is  a question  whether  they 
should  bfr  allowed  to  eat  all  that  they  will 
take.  It  would  likely  seriously  affect 
their  appetites  for  taking  other  food.  A 
limited  amount  will  be  all  right. 

Feeding  Horse  Flesh. 

Is  it  well  to  feed  dead  horse  carcasses 
to  breeding  sows?  I had  two  horses  die 
a week  ago  and  I am  feeding  them  to 
my  hogs.  They  seem  to  be  all  right  now. 

Ans.:  There  can  be  no  reason  why 
horse  flesh  should  hurt  your  sows  if  fed 
in  moderation.  It  would  be  wise,  how- 
ever, to  discontinue  the  meat  just  before 
and  after  farrowing,  as  the  meat,  in  the 
opinion  of  a great  many,  has  a tendency 
to  make  sows  eat  their  little  ones.  Bet- 
ter be  on  the  safe  side  and  not  feed  the 
meat  at  that  time. 

Skim  Milk  for  Brood  Sow. 

Can  you  overfeed  a brood  sow  with 
skim  milk? 

Ans.:  You  can  overfeed  a brood  sow  on 
most  anything  but  pasture.  When  fed  in 
moderate  quantities,  sweet  skim  milk  is 
an  ideal  feed  for  any  hog  or  pig  at  any 
age. 

Skim  Milk  and  Middlings  for  Nursing 
Sows. 

Can  just  as  good  results  be  gotten  from 
feeding  brood  sows  skim  milk  and  mid- 
dlings without  corn? 

Ans.:  No,  not  when  they  are  on  pasture. 
A little  corn  is  necessary  to  tone  up  the 
system  but  be  careful  not  to  feed  too 
much  or  it  will  upset  the  milk  supply  and 
render  the  pigs  subject  to  thumps. 

Sows  Refuse  to  Eat  Middlings. 

I have  two  sows  that  farrowed  in  the 
middle  of  January.  I am  feeding  them 
a little  corn  and  swill  made  up  of  house 
slops,  water,  some  bran  and  shorts.  They 
eat  the  corn  and  drink  the  slop,  but  do 
not  clean  up  the  bran  and  shorts.  There 
are  19  pigs  with  these  two  sows,  all  of 
which  are  doing  well.  Should  I make 
any  change  in  the  treatment  that  I am 
giving  them? 

Ans.:  This  is  a common  difficulty  with 
feeding  shorts  and  bran  in  the  winter 
time,  especially  if  the  slop  is  made  with 
cold  water  and  fed  immediately.  Cold 
water  does  not  seem  to  penetrate  or 
soak  in  winter  as  it  does  in  summer. 
This  difficulty  can  be  overcome  in  a 
measure  by  using  hot  water  and  leaving 


it  to  soak  for  a time.  Would  recommend 
no  change  in  the  treatment  you  are  now 
giving  as  long  as  they  do  well  and  re- 
main thrifty.  Give  them  an  opportunity 
to  get  outdoors  where  they  can  take 
considerable  exercise,  as  one  of  the  most 
common  difficulties  experienced  in  raising 
winter  pigs  is  that  they  are  frequently 
kept  confined  in  close  quarters.  This, 
with  liberal  feeding,  often  brings  on 
thumps. 

Sugar  Beet  Pulp. 

Can  sugar  beet  pulp  be  fed  to  old  hogs 
and  brood  sows?  If  so,  in  what  shape  is 
it  fed?  Is  it  better  to  mix  it  with  shorts 
and  give  it  to  them  in  the  swill  or  feed 
it  just  alone? 

Ans.:  It  is  all  right  to  feed  the  pulp 
alone.  Sugar  beets  when  fed  directly  to 
swine  are  fed  this  way,  and  there  seems 
no  reason  why  it  would  be  necessary  to 
mix  the  pulp  with  any  other  kind  of 
food. 

Roots. 

A great  deal  is  said  about  feeding  roots 
before  farrowing.  Is  there  any  objection 
to  feeding  them  all  winter? 

Ans.:  No,  not  if  you  have  plenty  of 
roots. 

Feed  before  Farrowing. 

What  is  good  to  feed  before  farrowing? 

Ans.:  Oats,  corn,  middlings,  oil  meal,  a 
little  bran,  and  just  before  farrowing, 
about  a week,  cut  all  the  corn  out,  which 
would  consist  of  about  one-third  of  the 
ration.  This  is  done  to  get  the  animal’s 
system  cooled  out  nicely.  Feed  some 
laxative  food,  a little  oil  meal  or  roots 
for  about  a week. 

What  Feed  Before  Farrowing? 

How  should  a sow-  be  fed  just  before 
she  farrows? 

Ans.:  During  the  first  two  months  no 
change  need  be  made  in  her  usual  food. 
As  her  time  of  farrowing  approaches,  she 
must  be  kept  separate  from  the  fatten- 
ing hogs  and  her  food  should  be  such  as 
will  produce  bone  and  muscle  rather  than 
fat.  Bran,  shorts,  shipstuff,  ground  oats, 
and  peas,  with  but  little  corn,  should  be 
used.  Fresh  green  pasture  is  good  if  it  is 
to  be  had. 

Feeding  Brood  Sows. 

I have  a number  of  registered  Poland- 
China  sows  due  to  farrow  soon.  They 
have  been  fed  chiefly  soft  corn  during 
the  winter  and  have  had  plenty  of  chance 
to  exercise.  I am  now  feeding  soft  corn 
in  the  morning,  and  carrots,  potatoes  and 
corn  silage  for  the  other  feeds  at  noon 
and  night.  They  also  have  salt  and 
ashes.  Is  this  food  as  good  for  them  as 
middlings,  ground  oats  and  bran? 

Ans.:  Whether  mill  food  should  be  add- 
ed to  the  diet  now  given  will  depend 
largely  on  the  proportions  of  mangels  or 


16 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


roots,  other  than  potatoes,  that  are  being 
fed.  If  the  supply  of  carrots,  mangels  or 
turnips  is  large,  then  with  some  soft 
corn  and  potatoes  yod  would  have  a very 
good  ration.  If  the  supply  of  roots  is 
limited,  then  it  would  be  a safe  invest- 
ment to  buy  middlings,  even  at  $14.00  a 
ton.  Potatoes  are  excellent  food  for 
swine  that  are  being  fattened,  but  for 
brood  sows  they  do  not  make  a good  diet 
when  fed  in  large  quantities  along  with 
corn.  They  may  be  fed  in  considerable 
quantities  along  with  shorts. 

Feeding  Brood  Sows. 

I feed  some  brood  sows  entirely  on 
roots  and  a little  chopped  barley  once  a 
day.  They  keep  almost  too  fat.  Will 
that  kind  of  feed  do  after  they  have  far- 
rowed? I feed  the  roots  raw;  should 
they  be  cooked? 

Ans.:  The  feed  you  are  giving  the  brood 
sows  is  most  excellent  before  they  far- 
row. They  are  not  likely  to  get  too  fat 
on  such  a food.  After  farrowing  the  pro- 
portion of  the  grain  ought  to  be  increased 
and  if  some  corn  can  be  fed  all  the  bet- 
ter, as  there  is  danger  of  the  sows  get- 
ting too  thin  when  suckling  their  pigs. 
The  roots  fed  raw  will  answer  very  well. 

Feed  before  Farrowing, 

What  is  the  best  food  to  give  young 
sows  a week  or  two  before  farrowing? 
I have  been  feeding  slops  of  ground  oats 
and  shorts  and  they  seem  in  good  condi- 
tion. What  kind  of  shelter  is  needed  for 
sows  and  pig's  in  summer? 

Ans.;  The  food  you  are  feeding  your 
sows  is  good  and  may  be  continued,  but 
feed  a variety  if  possible.  Give  them 
foods  that  will  not  produce  too  much 
heat,  such  as  corn  or  rye.  In  summer  the 
shade  of  a grove  or  of  sheds  is  a great 
protection  for  swine. 

Oil  Meal  for  Sows. 

Is  there  any  danger  in  feeding  oil  meal 
to  sows  that  are  bred? 

Ars.*  Oil  meal  is  very  good  for  preg- 
nant sows.  One  pound  to  six  sows  per 
day  will  be  a sufficient  quantity  to  give 
them.  Mix  it  in  middlings  and  feed  in 
the  form  of  a slop.  Oil  meal  is  especially 
good  for  breeding  sows  as  it  tends  to 
keep  the  bowels  open  and  prevents  con- 
stipation, which  is  one  of  the  worst  trou- 
bles that  hog  men  have  to  contend  with. 
Sows  that  are  constipated,  especially 
young  sows,  are  nervous  and  irritable 
during  the  time  of  farrowing  and  become 
so  cross  that  they  often  turn  on  their 
young  and  destroy  them  as  fast  as  they 
are  born.  For  this  reason  it  would  be 
well  to  feed  a little  oil  meal  in  the  quan- 
tity above  stated,  especially  during  the 
last  month  before  farrowing. 


Linseed  Meal  for  Sows. 

My  sows  have  n-early  always  been  trou- 
bled with  constipation  just  before  farrow- 
ing, which  I think  is  partially  responsi- 
ble for  their  sometimes  eating  .some  of 
their  young.  Would  linseed  meal  be 
good  to  feed  them  for  this  purpose? 

Ans.;  Yes,  linseed  meal  serves  the  dou- 
ble purpose  of  supplying  protein  and 
keeping  the  bowels  open.  It  would  be 
well  to  have  a little  on  hand  and  begin 
feeding  it  in  small  quantities  about  a 
month  before  farrowing  time. 

• Too  Much  3111k. 

Just  before  farrowing  I noticed  that 
some  of  my  sows  were  dropping  milk 
from  their  teats.  What  is  the  cause  of 
this? 

Ans.:  One  often  notices  milk  dropping 
from  the  teats  a few  hours  before  farrow- 
ing. This  is  a sign  that  internal  nourish- 
ment has  been  completed  and  that  nature 
is  making  ready  for  the  new  order  of 
things.  Overfeeding  or  the  feeding  of 
constipating  or  heating  food  at  this  time 
is  likely  to  cause  trouble  to  both  the  sow 
and  her  young.  Feed,  lightly  and  re- 
member that  sow’s  milk  is  much  richer 
than  cow’s  milk. 

Best  Ration  for  Sow. 

What  Is  a good  ration  to  feed  the  sow 
after  farrowing  when  she  should  be  on 
full  feed,  up  to  the  time  of  weaning  the 
pigs? 

Ans.:  Middlings  and  succotash.  Mid- 
dlings is  the  main  part  of  the  slop  and  of 
course  a little*corn,  and  the  more  skim 
milk  the  better. 

Treatment  of  Sow  Just  After  Farrowing, 

How  should  a sow  be  fed  just  after 
farrowing? 

Ans:  The  feed  at  this  time  should  be 
strengthening,  but  not  heating,  and  if 
any  indications  of  costiveness  appear  she 
should  have  a good  feed  of  wheat  bran. 
A constant  supply  of  salt  and  ashes  or 
charcoal  is  especially  needed  at  this  time. 
Keep  her  quiet  and  do  not  disturb  her 
unless  absolutely  necessary.  Feed  thin  slop 
for  24  hours  and  give  her  a constant  sup- 
ply of  fresh  water. 

3Iaintnining  a 3111k  Supply. 

I have  a sow  which  farrowed  about  1> 
days  ago.  I have  been  feeding  her  on 
corn  and  water  with  milk  every  other 
day.  I notice  that  her  milk  seems  to  be 
drying  up  and  the  pigs  are  generally  a 
pretty  mean  lot.  What  can  I give  the 
sow  to  make  her  produce  more  milk? 

Ans.:  While  suckling  pigs,  the  brood 
sow  should  be  well  fed  in  order  to  main- 
tain a liberal  flow  of  milk.  No  litters  can 
thrive  when  their  mothers  are  half  starv- 
ed. Take  the  corn  away  from  her  al- 
together and  feed  her  liberally  on  crush- 
ed oats,  middlings,  or  wheat  bran  and 


FEEDING  PIGS. 


17 


milk.  If  you  have  any  roots  on  hand  cut 
some  of  these  up  for  her  every  day.  In- 
crease the  amount  of  food  gradually  until 
you  give  her  all  she  will  eat  up  clean. 
You  have  been  starving  your  sow  so  far 
as  milk  production  is  concerned.  If  you 
have  a good  field  of  clover,  fence  off 
a little  section  for  her  and  turn  her  into 
It  along  with  her  pigs. 

Corn  and  Cob  Ration. 

I wish  to  know  if  a ration  of  ground 
corn-and-cob  meal  is  good  for  a sow 
suckling  pigs.  One  of  my  neighbors  was 
feeding  it  and  his  little  pigs  began  to 
get  thin  and  die. 

Ans.:  If  corn-and-cob  meal  was  made 
the  only  food,  the  pigs  would  probably 
not  get  enough'  milk,  as  such  food  is  not 
very  good  for  producing  milk.  When  this 
food  is  given  to  pigs,  it  ought  to  be  very 
finely  ground,  but  shorts,  ground  oats  or 
bran  should  be  fed  along  with  the  corn- 
and-cob  meal  when  milk  is  wanted. 

Brood  Sows  with  Cattle. 

Will  brood  sows  get  too  much  corn  fol- 
lowing cattle? 

Ans.:  They  will  if  there  are  only  a few 
sows  and  a good  many  cattle  where  much 
corn  is  being  fed.  Many  successful  stock- 
men  raise  their  hogs  this  way  and  are 
perfectly  satisfied  with  the  results. 

Hogs  Run  with  Other  Stock. 

Can  hogs  run  successfully  with  other 
stock? 

Ans.:  They  can.  Some  feeders  allow 
the  brood  sows  to  run  with  the  cattle  in 
the  winter,  while  others  prefer  to  run 
shoats  with  the  fattening  steers  for  fear 
the  sows  will  get  too  much  corn. 

Corn  Fodder. 

Will  cows  eat  corn  fodder  after  pigs 
have  picked  the  ears  out? 

Ans.:  They  will  not.  The  pigs  so  soil 
the  fodder  that  the  cattle  seem  to  dislike 
it  and  will  go  hungry  a long  time  before 
they  will  touch  it. 

Brood  Sows  and  Fattening  Hogs. 

Is  it  best  to  run  brood  sows  and  fatten- 
ing hogs  together? 

Ans.:  No.  Brood  sows  should  be  fed  to 
make  animal  growth  and  fattening  hogs 
given  a ration  to  fatten  them.  This  re- 
quires two  distinct  methods  of  feeding. 

Breeding  Sows  on  Shares. 

I am  offered  two  thoroughbred  brood 
sows  on  shares.  What  percentage  of  the 
increase  should  I give,  the  farmer  getting 
the  sows  back?  What  share  at  six  weeks 
old  and  what  share  when  the  pigs  weigh 
150  pounds? 

Ans.:  Much  depends  upon  the  quality  of 
the  pigs.  It  would  be  easier  to  answer 
if  the  pigs  were  grades,  for  then  one 
would  only  have  meat  prices  to  use  as  a 


basis  of  judgment.  Some  pure-breds  are 
of  less  value  than  grades.  On  the  as- 
sumption that  the  sows  are  first-class  for 
the  breed,  at  six  weeks  old  the  one  who 
feeds  the  sow  should  be  well  paid  by  get- 
ting one  pair  from  each  litter;  at  150 
pounds,  by  getting  three  of  the  litter.  If 
the  pigs  were  grades  he  should  get  a 
larger  percentage. 

Feeding  Pigs. 

A Question  of  Profit. 

I have  a few  hundred  bushels  of  corn. 
Would  it  pay  to  buy  pigs  and  feed  it  to 
them  this  fall  rather  than  to  sell  the 
corn  at  35  or  40  cents  a bushel? 

Ans.:  If  you  are  able  to  buy  good 
strong  healthy  pigs  at  reasonable  rates 
and  have  a warm  place  to  keep  them  and 
give  them  your  personal  attention  it  will 
pay  you  well,  as  one  bushel  of  corn  is 
calculated  to  produce  from  10  to  12 
pounds  of  pork. 

Winter  or  Summer  Feeding. 

Would  it  be  advisable  to  hold  corn  until 
next  spring  and  then  buy  pigs  at  $4.00  or 
$5.00  a pair  to  be  fed  for  the  fall  market 
or  would  it  be  more  profitable  to  feed 
them  during  the  winter  with  the  idea  of 
fattening  them  off  in  the  spring? 

Ans.:  With  a good  warm  sheltered 
place  for  your  hogs  where  you  can  keep 
them  warm  and  dry  and  comfortable  dur- 
ing the  winter  weather,  where  you  co" 
give  them  your  personal  attention,  it 
will  probably  pay  to  feed  hogs  in  the 
winter.  But  if  your  conditions  are  such 
that  your  hogs  would  be  subjected  to  all 
kinds  of  stormy  and  cold  weather  you 
would  probably  be  the  loser.  It  is  gen- 
erally conceded,  however,  that  summer 
feeding  is  more  profitable  than  winter 
feeding,  as  most  of  the  growth  can  be 
made  very  cheaply  on  pasture,  keeping 
the  corn  for  finishing  in  the  fall. 

Pig  Feeding  Questions. 

If  I can  buy  pigs  weighing  100  pounds 
each  at  $3.50  per  hundred  would  there  be 
any  profit’SiT  buying  feed  for  them  if  I 
could  buy  corn  for  <0  cents  per  bushel, 
barley  for  35  cents  and  shorts  for  $Xi-00 
per  ton,  ancM:hen  sell  them  for  $4.50  per 
cwt.,  when  they  weigh  200  pounds?  How 
would  I feed  these  three  feeds  so  as  to 
balance  the  ration? 

Ans.:  Leaving  out  of  consideration  the 
element  of  chance  that  would  be  taken 
of  getting  liog  cholera  by  buying  pigs,  a 
good  profit  might  be  made,  providing 
good,  thrifty  pigs  were  purchased  at  $3.50 
per  cwt.,  and  that  they  are  properly  fed. 
Make  corn  the  principal  part  of  the  ra- 
tion. Pigs  that  weigh  100  pounds  will 
perhaps  have  the  necesary  frame  for  tak- 
ing on  another  hundred  pounds  of  pork 
without  the  help  of  much  nitrogenous 


18 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


food.  With  barley  at  35  cents  and  corn 
at  40  cents  a bushel  you  could  afford  to 
cut  out  the  barley  entirely,  in  finishing. 
If  the  shorts  are  of  good  quality,  make 
them  a part  of  the  ration,  and  give  both 
corn  and  shorts  in  such  quantities  as 
they  will  eat  up  clean.  They  should  be 
provided  with  comfortable  quarters  and 
frequent  change  of  bedding  and  should 
be  given  access  to  salt  and  charcoal  or 
pulverized  soft  coal.  With  good  feed 
thrifty  pigs  should  put  on  about  50 
cents  worth  of  pork  for  every  40  cents 
worth  of  food  eaten,  and  this  profit  with 
the  advance  in  price  will  make  good  com- 
pensation for  labor  and  investment  of 
capital. 

Rations  for  Pigs. 

What  in  considered  a good  ration  for 
growing  pigs,  say  two  months  old?  Pigs 
now  have  rye  pasture;  will  soon  have 
lape.  Price  of  feed  as  follows:  Corn  40 
cents  per  bushel;  wheat  35  cents  per 
bushel;  rye  30  cents  per  bushel;  wheat 
shorts  $13.00  per  ton.  Which  is  the  cheap- 
est food? 

Ans.:  Of  the  foods  named  shorts  is  the 
cheapest  when  relative  cost  and  suitabil- 
ity are  taken  together.  If  pigs  of  the 
age  named  can  be  fed  two-thirds  shorts 
and  one-third  ground  wheat  and  rye,  they 
ought  to  grow  well.  Of  the  foods  named, 
corn  is  the  dearest  at  the  price  given, 
but  it  is  a puzzle  to  know  where 
wheat  can  be  obtained  for  35  cents  per 
bushel.  It  may  be  that  it  is  somewhat 
damaged.  As  the  pigs  grow  older  the 
shorts  may  be  lessened  if  there  would  be 
any  necessity  for  doing  this,  and  the  oth- 
er food  increased.  Rye,  of  course,  may 
be  used  instead  of  wheat,  but  is  not 
quite  so  good. 

Will  it  Pay  to  Sell  or  Feed? 

With  corn  selling  at  from  25  to  40  cents 
a bushel,  would  it  be  advisable  to  hold 
the  corn  until  next  spring  and  buy  pigs 
at  $4  or  $5  a pair  to  be  fed  for  the  fall 
market? 

Ans.:  If  you  have  warm  sheds  for  feed- 
ing where  the  pigs  will  be  protected  from 
cold  and  if  you  can  get  good  healthy  pigs 
at  this  time  it  may  pay  you  to  com- 
mence feeding  now  for  next  spring’s  mar- 
ket, but  if  you  are  so  situated  that  your 
pigs  would  be  subjected  to  cold  from 
lack  of  proper  shelter,  they  will  make 
such  small  gains  as  to  make  their  profit 
a question.  You  will  have  to  decide  thi-j 
question  according  to  your  environment. 

Small  Pigs  in  Spring. 

If  pigs  are  eight  months  old  in  the 
spring  of  the  year  and  weigh  only  10) 
lbs.,  would  it  pay  to  buy  corn  and  fatten 
them  or  would  it  be  better  to  let  them 
run  over  summer? 

Ans.:  If  pigs  weigh  only  100  lbs.,  at 
eight  months  of  age  they  should  have  a 


run  on  clover  pasture  with  a little  grain 
feed  maae  into  slop  to  put  them  in  good 
form.  By  running  them  on  pasture  dur- 
ing the  summer  they  would  be  in  good 
shape  to  fatten  in  the  fall  and  you  would 
in  ail  probability  have  the  corn  without 
buying  it  to  feed  them. 

Food  for  Pigs. 

What  is  a good  food  for  small  pigs 
after  weaning? 

Ans.:  A large  portion  of  the  ration 
should  be  milk,  with  shorts  and  corn 
meal,  one-half  by  weight;  or  a slop  made 
of  shorts,  with  an  addition  of  oil  meal, 
and  the  corn  shelled  and  soaked,  with 
clover  pasture  will  do  very  well. 

Difference  in  Feeding. 

Should  the  pig  have  the  same  kind  of 
food  while  growing,  as  while  preparing 
him  for  market? 

Ans.:  No.  A pig  should  have  a food 
that  will  stimulate  growth;  milk,  shorts, 
oats,  peas,  clover,  with  an  allowance  of 
corn,  would  constitute  a growing  food. 

Creamery  Milk. 

Is  creamery  milk  fit  for  pigs? 

Ans.:  Creamery  milk  is  good  pig  feed 
if  it  has  been  pasteurized  at  the  cream- 
ery so  it  would  not  sour.  Many  farmers 
prefer,  however,  to  separate  it  at  home 
and  feed  the  milk  direct  to  the  pigs.  The 
sooner  milk  can  be  fed  after  it  is  drawn 
from  the  cow  the  better. 

Value  of  Milk  for  Pigs. 

How  many  pounds  of  growth  should 
one  get  from  one-hundred  pounds  of 
milk? 

Ans.:  If  fed  in  connection  with  grain, 
five  pounds.  Or,  5'0  pounds  of  milk  have 
been  found  equivalent  to  93  pounds  of  a 
mixed  grain  ration. 

Soured  Milk. 

Should  skim  milk  be  fed  sweet  or  sour? 

Ans.:  See  that  it  is  not  too  sour.  The 
first  stage  of  sourness  is  not  injurious. 

Sour  Milk. 

Does  milk  lose  its  feeding  value  by 
souring? 

Ans.:  It  surely  does,  up  to  a certain 
point,  and  the  question  is  important  when 
and  how,  and  to  what  age  of  animal  we 
are  feeding  it.  Young  pigs  will  always  do 
better  up  to  twelve  weeks  of  age,  on  sweet 
milk,  if  mixed  with  grain  in  the  propor- 
tion of  30  pounds  of  grain  to  100  pounds 
of  milk.  Older  hogs,  in  the  finishing  pro- 
cess, may  be  benefited  by  having  the  milk 
clabbered  or  slightly  sour,  but  milk  that 
has  been  turned  to  an  acid  has  lost  its 
feeding  value  and  becomes  injurious  if 
fed  in  large  quantities. 


FEEDING  PIGS. 


19 


Whey  for  Pigs. 

I have  been  trying  to  fatten  my  pigs  on 
whey,  thinking  it  was  just  as  nourishing 
as  skimmed  milk,  but  they  do  not  seem 
to  thrive.  What  is  the  trouble? 

Ans.:  Pigs  will  not  fatten  on  whey.  Mix 
in  a little  middlings  or  ground  oats  and  a 
little  corn  meal,  and  then  you  will  see 
them  jump. 

Whey  for  Pigs. 

Is  whey  a fattening  food  for  young 
pigs? 

Ans.:  To  make  pigs  grow  rapidly,  mix 
a little  shorts  in  the  whey.  Be  careful 
not  to  feed  too  much  or  they  will  scour. 
Warm  separated  milk  is  bettc~  than  whey. 

Barley  for  Pigs. 

Which  is  the  proper  way  to  grind  bar- 
ley for  pigs,  fine  or  coarse?  2.  Should 
barley  be  fed  to  pigs  dry  or  wet? 

Ans.:  Barley  is  better  ground  fine  than 
coarse  when  fed  to  swine.  2.  It  is  better 
soaked  than  when  fed  dry,  and  in  winter 
it  is  a still  further  improvement  to  steam 
it  and  feed  it  warm. 

Whole  Barley  for  Pigs. 

Should  barley  be  fed  whole  to  pigs? 

Ans.:  No.  Have  it  ground  and  mix  it 
with  shorts  if  you  are  going  to  feed  it. 
Pigs  soon  tire  of  barley  when  fed  on  it 
alone. 

Ground  Barley  and  Oats  for  Pigs. 

Is  ground  barley  and  oats  as  good  as 
shorts  for  pigs? 

Ans.:  Always  feed  and  make  use  of 

what  you  raise  and  produce;  but  barley 
and  oats,  while  good  for  the  sow,  are  not 
so  good  for  the  pigs  as  barley  and  shorts 
mixed,  since  there  is  too  great  a propor- 
tion of  hulls,  and  if  the  oats  can  be  ex- 
changed for  shorts  at  the  same  price,  the 
shorts  and  barley  will  give  better  results. 

Bone  Meal. 

Is  bone  meal  good  for  growing  pigs? 

Ans.:  A pinch  of  bone  meal  for  a pig, 
each  meal,  is  excellent. 

Substitute  for  Milk. 

What  is  the  best  food  for  young  pigs 
when  there  is  no  milk  to  give  them? 

Ans.:  Shorts  or  middlings,  with  one- 
third  of  corn  meal  and  a little  oil  meal. 
Feed  as  thick  slop. 

Soaked  Shorts  for  Pigs. 

How  long  should  shorts  be  soaked  for 
pigs  before  feeding  it? 

Ans.:  Soak  the  shorts  only  from  one 
feed  to  the  next.  Never  alow  it  to  stand 
in  a barrel  as  it  will  ferment. 

Shorts  Soaked  in  Milk. 

Would  it  be  best  to  soak  shorts  in 
milk  or  water? 

Ans.:  Soak  them  in  water  as  the  milk 


would  sour.  Never  feed  sour  feed  to  pigs. 
Always  add  the  milk  as  you  feed;  never 
let  it  stand  in  a barrel  long  enough  to 
sour. 

Feeding  Corn. 

How  is  the  best  way  to  start  little  pigs 
on  corn? 

Ans.:  Shell  and  soak  the  corn  for  little 
pigs.  After  you  begin  to  feed  new  corn 
feed  it  on  the  ear.  In  feeding  shelled  corn, 
scatter  it  about  the  floor  or  feed  yard 
in  some  straw  so  they  will  have  to  hunt 
for  the  grains.  This  will  give  them  ex- 
ercise which  is  necessary  if  the  best  re- 
sults are  to  be  expected. 

Feeding  Corn  Alone. 

Why  do  my  pigs  stop  growing  when 
about  five  months  old?  They  get  all  the 
corn  they  can  eat  and  have  all  along. 

Ans.:  Th.*y  stop  growing  because  corn 
does  not  supply  growing  materials  in  suffi- 
cient quantities.  Where  pigs  are  fed  on 
corn  alone  they  are  apt  to  get  overfat 
while  young.  They  should  have  a part  ra- 
tion of  mill  feed  made  into  slop  and  a 
run  of  a good  pasture,  if  large,  strong 
frames  are  desired. 

Feeding  Sow  with  Pigs. 

How  much  should  I feed  my  sows  when 
their  pigs  are  about  two  weeks  old?  I 
don’t  want  to  make  the  pigs  scour.  Have 
had  some  trouble  like  this  before  and 
want  to  guard  against  it. 

Ans.:  After  the  first  week  there  is  less 
danger  that  the  sows  will  be  overfed  than 
that  they  will  not  be  fed  enough.  If  they 
are  overfed  and  the  pigs  show  indications 
of  scouring,  they  should  have  less  feed  and 
be  given  lime  water  to  drink.  If  the  pigs 
are  old  enough  to  drink  they  should  have 
some  scalded  milk  in  which  a little  wheat 
flour  has  been  mixed.  If  they  are  too 
young  to  drink,  they  should  be  given  four 
or  five  drops  of  paregoric. 

Starting  Pigs  after  Weaning. 

I have  a lot  of  little  pigs  that  I want 
to  wean  in  about  a week.  What  is  the 
best  food  to  give  them  at  this  time? 

Ans.:  Start  the  little  fellows  off  on  a 
thin  slop  of  middlings  and  milk,  but  be 
careful  not  to  give  them  enough  to  cause 
scours.  It  is  always  best  to  give  them 
a little  trough  of  their  own  while  they  are 
still  nursing  so  that  when  they  are  wean- 
ed the  shock  will  not  be  so  great. 

Starting  Pigs. 

How  should  pigs  be  started? 

Ans.:  Before  the  sow  farrows,  feed  her 
so  as  to  keep  her  in  condition,  so  there  is 
no  danger  of  fever.  Never  start  to  feed 
young  pigs  until  they  commence  to  come 
around  the  trough  where  you  feed  the  old 
sow.  A few  years  ago  it  was  considered 
best  to  try  to  encourage  them  to  eat  and 
get  them  started  as  soon  as  possible,  but 


20 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


it  is  best  to  leave  it  with  the  pigs.  They 
will  be  strong  and  vigorous  and  they  will 
get  to  eating  too  young  and  eat  too  much, 
and  they  will  have  trouble  with  scouring 
if  you  get  in  a hurry.  Do  not  try  to  en- 
courage them  to  eat  too  young,  but  feed 
the  breeding  sow  heavily  with  the  corn 
left  out  or  nearly  so. 

Feeding  Pigs  before  Weaning. 

I have  two  sows  that  farrowed  about  four 
weeks  ago.  The  pigs  are  getting  along 
very  well  but  I want  to  wean  them  as 
soon  as  possible  so  as  to  have  the  sows 
come  in  with  a second  litter  in  the  fall. 
How  could  I best  go  about  weaning  them 
a little  earlier  than  is  customary? 

Ans.:  Young  pigs  can  be  taught  to  eat 
before  they  are  weaned  by  having  a small 
opening  into  an  annex  next  to  the  main 
pen.  Place  a shallow  trough  in  there, 
In  which  is  poured  a thin  slop  of  milk 
and  middlings  or  milk  and  ground  oats. 
As  soon  as  they  take  to  this  readily  a lit- 
tle corn  meal  could  be  added  to  either  of 
these  mixtures.  In  this  way  the  pigs  are 
weaned  gradually  and  safely  and  much 
earlier  than  they  would  otherwise  have 
been. 

Best  Food  for  Pigs. 

What  is  the  best  food  to  give  little  pigs 
‘In  order  to  make  them  give  the  best 
results? 

Ans.:  To  make  young  pigs  grow  thrifty, 
strong,  and  healthy  there  is  nothing  like 
milk,  mill  feed,  and  pasture,  with  a very 
little  corn  added. 

Corn  Meal  for  Young  Pigs. 

Is  corn  meal  a good  food  for  young 
pigs? 

Ans.:  No.  Corn  meal  is  too  fattening 
and  is  a poor  feed  for  them.  Middlings 
and  milk  or  ground  oats  and  milk  is  the 
best  food  for  young  pigs.  Get  them  on 
clover  pasture  as  soon  as  possible. 

Bran,  Corn  and  Oats  for  Pigs. 

Is  bran,  corn,  and  oats  a good  ration? 

Ans:  That  makes  a very  good  ration 
nearly  balanced,  the  corn  and  oats  should 
be  ground  and  mixed  with  the  bran. 

Bran  for  Pigs. 

Is  bran  good  pig  food? 

Ans.:  No.  Bran  is  liable  to  give  little 
pigs  the  scours.  It  is  too  coarse  and  ir- 
ritates their  bowels. 

Bran  for  Young  Pigs. 

Is  bran  a good  food  for  pigs  just  after 
they  are  weaned — say  at  the  age  of  five 
or  six  weeks? 

Ans.:  No.  Bran  is  so  harsh  that  it  is 
apt  to  cause  irritation  of  the  bowels.  It 
is  not  a safe  food  for  pigs  under  three 
months  old.  Give  them  some  ground  oats 
and  milk  or  middlings  and  milk  with  plen- 
ty of  rich  pasture  if  available. 


Pushing  the  Pigs. 

How  can  I make  the  most  satisfactory 
gains  with  young  pigs? 

Ans.:  Good  pasture  and  good  water  are 
necessary  for  health  and  making  satisfac- 
tory growth,  but  in  addition  to  these  the 
pigs  should  have  a liberal  supply  of  bone 
and  muscle-making  food.  Shorts  and  milk 
make  the  food  for  growth,  and  an  exclu- 
sive corn  diet  is  the  poorest.  They  will 
fatten  on  corn,  but  it  will  be  at  the  ex- 
pense of  health  and  growth  and  may  even 
cause  apoplexy  or  thumps  if  fed  too  much 
before  they  are  six  months  old. 

Cotton  Seed  Meal  for  Pigs. 

I have  an  opportunity  to  buy  a car  load 
of  cotton  seed  meal.  Would  it  have  any 
value  for  pigs? 

Ans.:  The  use  of  cotton  seed  meal  for 
swine  has  been  extensively  experimented 
with  in  several  of  our  stations  with  very 
unsatisfactory  results.  One  peculiarity  of 
the  experiment  is  that  the  pigs  showed  no 
derangement  until  they  had  been  fed  cot- 
ton seed  meal  for  about  30  days,  when  over 
80%  of  them  died.  It  may  be  stated  in 
general  terms  that  when  cotton  seed  or 
any  of  its  by-products  are  fed  in  reason- 
able quantities  with  proper  complements 
of  other  foods,  satisfactory  results  are  se- 
cured with  all  farm  animals  except  calves 
and  swine. 

Cotton  Seed  Meal  for  Swine. 

What  is  the  feeding  value  of  cotton  seed 
meal  in  comparison  with  oil  meal  or 
shorts  for  pigs? 

Ans.:  Do  not  feed  cotton  seed  meal  tp 
swine.  They  will  appear  to  do  pretty  well 
on  it  for  a time,  but  later  the  digestion 
becomes  deranged  and  unsatisfactory  re- 
sults generally  follow.  In  experiments 
conducted  to  test  its  feeding  value  for 
swine,  several  animals  have  died  when  it 
was  fed  any  length  of  time.  With  other 
foods  it  is  possible  to  feed  a very  small 
amount,  but  owing  to  the  danger  from 
feeding  it  you  had  better  use  foods  you 
are  sure  of. 

Stock  Food  for  Swine. 

Is  there  any  kind  of  stock  food  that 
could  be  recommended  for  pigs  to  make 
them  grow  or  fatten  more  quickly? 

Ans.:  There  are  several  stock  foods  on 
the  market,  which,  if  fed  to  swine  for  a 
limited  time,  will  act  as  a tonic  and  will 
thereby  enable  them  to  make  a more  econ- 
omical use  of  food.  Much  attention,  how- 
ever, should  be  paid  to  the  cost  and  to 
the  length  of  time  which  such  foods  are 
fed.  When  these  foods  are  used,  it  should 
be  usually  for  a short  time  only,  using 
them  in  the  same  way  as  tonics  are  used 
in  the  human  family. 

Swine  not  Growing  Well. 

I have  one  lot  of  swine,  all  over  eight 


FEEDING  PIGS. 


21 


months,  that  weigh  only  from  25  to  100 
pounds  apiece.  For  the  past  two  months 
I have  fed  them  all  the  corn  they  will 
eat  and  also  25  pounds  of  stock  food  and 
other  things  that  1 thought  would  do 
them  good.  Can  you  give  advice  that 
will  help  me  out? 

Ans.:  Without  knowing  more  about  the 
condition  of  the  swine  and  the  way  in 
which  they  were  fed  when  young,  it  will 
not  be  possible  to  tell  the  trouble.  One  of 
two  things  has  probably  happened:  either 

the  pigs  had  the  wrong  kind  of  feed  when 
they  were  quite  young,  which  brought 
them  into  a stunted  condition,  from  which 
they  have  not  recovered,  or  they  may  have 
been  affected  with  some  skin  disease 
which  has  interfered  with  their  growth. 
If  good,  liberal  feeding  of  shorts,  fed  in 
the  form  of  swill,  and  corn  fed  whole  or 
ground,  will  not  put  them  in  good  con- 
dition, the  case  is  discouraging.  A little 
oil  meal  added  to  the  swill  would  likely 
prove  a benefit. 

Heavily  Fed  Pigs. 

I have  a young  litter  of  pigs  that  Is 
fn  a very  thrifty  condition.  I fed  corn, 
ground  oats  and  bran.  When  some  cf  lh<* 
smaller  ones  rush  up  to  the  trough,  they 
have  queer  attacks  of  cramps  or  fits.  They 
will  fall  over  without  a sound  and  lie 
like  dead.  After  a few  minutes  they  will 
get  up,  stiff  and  shivering,  but  prettv 
soon  will  eat  as  if  nothing  had  happened. 

Ans.:  Stop  feeding  corn,  and  to  the  ones 
which  show  the  symptoms,  you  can  give 
a tablespoonful  of  castor  oil  and  feed  very 
sparing  for  a few  days.  They  are  likely 
to  die  in  one  of  the  spells.  Allow  them 
a good  roomy  pen  and  plenty  of  sunshine, 
but  at  the  same  time  keep  them  warm  and 
dry. 

Fattening  Young  Pigs. 

In  finishing  fattening  pigs  five  months 
old,  should  they  be  allowed  to  run  in  a 
large  pasture,  and  if  so,  why? 

Ans.:  Never  confine  young  hogs  unless 
it  be  for  a short  time  at  the  finishing 
period.  Every  young  animal  must  have 
exercise  to  keep  healthy  and  develop  a 
perfect  body. 

Middlings  for  Small  Pigs. 

Is  middlings  good  for  the  small  pig? 

Ans.:  Middlings  are  not  as  good  for  the 
young  pig  just  weaned  as  skim  milk. 
They  cannot  digest  the  middlings  as  well 
until  they  are  two  or  two  and  one-half 
months  old,  then  the  middlings  should  be 
added. 

Feed  for  Pigs. 

Which  is  preferable  for  pigs,  cracked 
wheat,  finely  ground  wheat  or  middlings? 

Ans.:  Finely  ground  wheat,  mixed  with 
some  middlings,  has  given  the  best  re- 
sults for  young  pigs,  but  it  should  be 
soaked  at  least  six  hours  and  fed  wet. 


Grain  Fed  to  Little  Pigs. 

When  should  one  begin  to  feed  grain 
to  little  pigs? 

Ans.:  Begin  to  feed  them  shelled  soaked 
corn  as  soon  as  they  will  eat  it,  and  also 
shorts  mixed  with  milk.  They  are 
usually  about  four  weeks  old  when  they 
show  a disposition  to  eat.  Mix  the  slop 
up  fresh  for  each  meal.  Don’t  allow  it  to 
stand  over  or  it  may  ferment  and  injure 
the  pigs. 

Food  for  Young  Pigs. 

I have  a lot  of  pigs  that  I am  feeding 
shorts  and  bran.  I have  no  milk  for  them 
at  present.  Is  the  feed  all  right,  and  is 
there  anything  I can  mix  with  the  food 
that  will  take  the  place  of  milk? 

Ans.:  This  food  is  all  right  for  the 
sows,  but  for  pigs  leave  the  bran  out;  it  is 
too  coarse  for  them.  If  the  pigs  are  nurs- 
ing they  should  be  kept  on  the  sow  until 
they  are  at  least  ten  weeks  old.  While 
they  are  still  nursing  give  them  some  thin 
slop  made  of  shorts  and  water.  Ground 
oats  with  the  hulls  sifted  out  will  be  good 
to  mix  with  the  slop. 

Feeding  Pigs. 

F’ive  sows  farrowed  this  month.  Would 
like  a few  points  about  feeding  both  the 
sows  and  their  pigs.  We  have  plenty  of 
feed  but  no  pasture.  Which  is  better; 
oats,  wheat  and  corn  ground  together  and 
mixed  with  sweet  skim  milk,  or  bran, 
shorts  and  skim  milk? 

Ans.:  While  the  pigs  are  nursing,  feed 
the  sow  oats,  wheat  and  corn  ground  to- 
gether in  the  proportion  of  oats  two  parts, 
wheat  one  part  and  corn  one  part.  Re- 
sults nearly  as  good  will  probably  be  had 
from  feeding  the  sows  shorts  and  bran  in 
the  proportions  of  two  parts  of  shorts 
to  one  of  bran,  the  skim  milk  being  given 
in  both  cases.  The  former  mixture  has 
the  advantage  of  improving  the  condition 
of  the  flesh.  If  it  is  evident  that  they  are 
losing  flesh  the  proportion  of  corn  should 
be  increased.  The  young  pigs  should  get 
skim  milk  in  a compartment  by  themselves 
just  as  soon  as  they  will  take  it.  Shorts 
should  be  added  to  the  milk  a little  later. 
When  eight  weeks  old  they  can  be  fed 
shorts>  and  corn  in  the  proportion  of  two 
to  one  parts  respectively,  the  skim  milk 
being  added.  The  feed  for  both  sow  and 
pigs  should  be  fed  in  the  form  of  slop. 

Feeding  Pigs. 

I want  to  push  my  pigs  along  as  fast  as 
possible  and  yet  I am  afraid  to  feed  them 
too  much  for  fear  they  will  get  the  thumps. 
What  shall  I do  about  it? 

Ans.:  Let  the  little  pigs  eat  all  they 
want  but  be  sure  to  allow  them  plenty  of 
room  for  exercise.  If  they  show  an  in- 
clination to  lie  in  their  beds  too  much  of 
the  time,  turn  them  out  of  the  pen  and 
fasten  the  door  for  awhile. 


22 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


Keeping  Pigs  through  Winter. 

Does  it  pay  to  keep  young  pigs  over  the 
winter  for  another  year’s  feeding? 

Ans. : Very  often  not.  But  if  you  have 
them,  keep  them.  The  best  money  comes 
from  spring  litters. 

Average  Gain  of  Young  Pig. 

How  many  pounds  a day  should  a pig 
eight  months  old  gain  while  being  fat- 
tened? 

Ans.:  If  a pig  gains  one  pound  a day, 
from  time  of  birth,  he  is  making  a paying 
gain,  but  this  would  require  him  to  gain 
two  pounds  a d?y  for  the  later  period  of 
his  life. 

Gain  of  Pigs  per  Day. 

What  should  be  the  average  gain  of 
pigs  per  day  from  the  date  of  birth  to 
block? 

Ans.:  If  pigs  make  one  pound  of  growth 
per  day,  from  date  of  farrow  to  block,  they 
will  always  be  profitable.  This  would  re- 
quire, for  a part  of  the  time,  a higher  gain 
than  one  pound  per  day,  as  during  the 
first  three  months  this  would  hardly  be 
obtained. 

Mangels  for  Swine. 

Would  boiled  mangels  make  a suitab’e 
food  for  young  -pigs? 

Ans.:  Prof.  Henry  says: — “Because  man- 
gels stand  well  out  of  the  ground,  these 
roots  are  easily  cultivated  and  harvested. 
When  boiled  and  mixed  with  meal  they  are 
excellent  for  feeding  swine  and  young 
stock.” 

Steaming  Food  for  Swine. 

Is  it  a good  idea  to  steam  food  for  hogs? 
Shall  I get  a small  boiler  for  that  pur- 
pose? 

Ans.:  In  cold  weather  it  is  a good  plan 
to  steam  the  hog  feed.  The  nature  of  the 
steamer  or  boiler  should  depend  upon  the 
size  of  the  herd.  In  some  instances  a 
heater  of  considerable  capacity  would  be 
best,  in  others  a small  boiler  will  answer 
the  purpose.  This  is  an  important  ques- 
tion in  connection  with  the  growing  of 
swine  and  one  that  has  a great  deal  both 
in  favor  and  against  it.  Cooking  Is  ex- 
pensive unless  one  is  doing  a lot  of  feed- 
ing. 

Feeding  Rye  or  Barley. 

In  feeding  rye  or  barley,  wouldn’t  it 
be  well  to  cook  it? 

Ans.:  No.  Grind  the  rye  in  all  cases  be-  ' 
fore  feeding  it  to  pigs  and  simply  soak  it. 
Some  breeders  prefer  to  feed  it  warm  in 
the  winter,  but  there  is  no  advantage  In 
cooking  it,  unless  the  pigs  like  it  better 
that  way.  Sometimes  in  warming  it,  it 
gets  up  to  the  boiling  point,  and  that  prac- 
tically cooks  it. 

Cooking  Grain. 

Does  cooking  the  whole  grain  make  it 
lose  any  of  its  feeding  value? 


Ans.:  The  presumption  Is  that  the  protein 
part  of  the  food  partakes  very  much  of 
the  character  of  the  boiled  egg  that  is 
boiled  excessively — it  is  not  so  digestible. 
Then,  in  cooking  you  dilute  the  food  too 
much;  there  is  too  much  water  contained 
in  it,  in  connection  with  the  dry  matter. 

Cooking  the  Feed. 

Is  It  advisable  to  cook  food  for  swine? 

Ans.:  No,  nothing  but  potatoes.  If  any 
one  has  a large  quantity  of  potatoes  in 
the  fall  and  wants  to  feed  them,  they  are 
rendered  more  palatable  by  cooking,  but 
it  would  be  scarcely  practicable  to  cook 
all  of  their  food  except  in  cases  where 
sows  are  sick  just  before  or  after  farrow- 
ing. 

Cooking  and  Grinding  Hog  Food. 

As  I am  new  to  the  hog  business  I 
would  like  to  know  something  about  cook- 
ing and  grinding  feed  for  hogs,  that  is, 
whether  or  not  it  would  be  profitable. 
Some  of  my  neighbors  hold  that  it  is, 
while  others  claim  that  this  work  is  un- 
necessary. 

Ans.:  The  question  of  cooking  and  grind- 
ing hog  food  has  many  advocates  on  both 
sides,  but  from  all  the  information  that 
can  be  gathered  from  reliable  sources  the 
predominance  of  evidence  is  in  favor  of 
feeding  grain  whole  and  uncooked.  There 
are  times  when  cooking  or  grinding  or 
both,  will  pay  for  the  extra  trouble. 
There  are  thousands  of  instances  where 
hogs  are  given  whole  uncooked  grain  and 
are  actually  making  better  gains  than 
others  that  are  getting  cooked  grain, 
either  ground  or  whole,  so  that  it  can 
hardly  be  considered  wise  to  advocate 
either  cooking  or  grinding  except  in  cases 
of  sickness  or  for  sows  just  after  farrow- 
ing. 

Grinding  Hog  Food. 

Will  it  pay  to  grind  hog  food? 

Ans.:  If  corn  is  to  be  used  it  will  not 
pay.  Even  old  corn  is  better  when  soaked 
in  water  than  when  fed  ground.  Oats  and 
barley,  however,  should  be  ground  as  fine 
as  possible  and  it  is  preferable  to  feed 
them  both  in  the  form  of  a thick  slop. 

Ground  Feed  for  Small  Pigs. 

For  small  pigs  would  it  be  advisable 
to  feed  ground  feed  raw  or  scalded? 

Ans.:  It  makes  no  difference  if  it  is  soak- 
ed in  the  summer  time.  In  winter  some 
feeders  use  warm  water  for  soaking  and 
claim  better  results  from  doing  so. 

Grinding  Corn  for  Hogs. 

Will  hogs  do  as  well  when  the  corn  Is 
ground  as  when  it  is  fed  whole? 

Ans.:  Under  ordinary  conditions  let  the 
hogs  do  the  grinding.  If  the  corn  is  hard 
It  may  be  soaked  for  about  twelve  hours 
before  it  Is  fed. 


PASTURES  FOR  SWINE. 


23 


Fresh  Water. 

Is  It  necessary  to  give  hogs  fresh 
water  if  they  have  plenty  of  slop? 

Ans.:  It  is  a common  error  with  many 
that  slop  food  will  answer  for  both  food 
and  drink.  An  observant  feeder  will  no- 
tice that  when  feeding  slops,  such  as  a 
swill  barrel  generally  contains  from  a 
kitchen,  mainly  water  and  pieces  of  vege- 
tables, that  grain  is  added  to  this  and  the 
troughs  are  filled  with  the  watery  slush. 
He  then  observes  that  the  pig  or  hog  will 
dive  for  the  solids,  but  in  order  to  satisfy 
his  want  Is  obliged  to  swallow  more  of 
the  liquid  than  needed,  proving  only  a 
disturbing  element  to  healthy  digestion^ 
But  when  slop  is  fed  at  the  right  con- 
sistency, as  a pudding  that  will  readily 
run  out  of  a pail,  and  eaten  clean,  the  hog 
will  want  water  between  meals,  on  pas- 
ture or  in  the  pen. 

Is  Charcoal  Good  for  Hogs? 

My  hogs  seem  to  be  troubled  with  a 
sour  stomach  and  my  neighbors  have  ad- 
vised giving  them  charcoal.  Will  this  do 
any  good? 

Ans.:  It  is  generally  accepted  as  true 
that  there  is  not  a great  deal  of  difference 
between  the  stomach  of  a hog  and  that  of 
a man.  At  any  rate,  charcoal  is  found  to 
be  useful  in  assisting  the  work  of  both. 


Soaked  Corn. 

Have  experiments  in  feeding  soaked 
corn  shown  anything? 

Ans:  Experiments  in  Iowa  and  Kansas 
with  soaked  corn  showed  that  the  soaking 
was  about  equal  to  grinding  and  much 
cheaper. 

Soaking  Shelled  Corn. 

How  long  should  one  soak  shelled  corn 
in  warm  weather? 

Ans.:  Soak  it  until  it  is  soft;  twelve  to 
twenty-fdur  hours.  Longer  than  that 
would  start  it  to  ferment  and  make  it  unfit 
for  food. 

Swill  In  the  Winter. 

How  could  swill  be  kept  from  freezing 
in  the  winter? 

Ans.:  Only  mix  it  as  you  feed  it  and 
only  feed  what  they  will  eat  up  clean. 
This  is  a good  plan  to  follow  both  summer 
and  winter. 

Soapy  Water  for  Pigs. 

Is  soapy  dish  water  injurious  to  pigs? 

Ans.:  A large  quantity  of  soapy  dish 
water  injures  the  glands  of  the  bowels 
and  sometimes  causes  death.  You  had  bet- 
ter not  risk  using  it.  There  is  no  food 
value  in  soap  and  the  water  is  better  to 
drink  without  it. 


Pastures  For  §wine. 


Hog  Culture  Without  Pasture. 

Could  hog  culture  be  made  profitable 
without  pasture? 

Ans.:  No,  not  on  a large  scale  for  a, 
succession  of  years. 

Alfalfa  for  Hogs. 

Is  alfalfa  good  pasture  for  hogs? 

Ans.:  It  is  the  best  pasture  that  hogs 
can  have  where  it  can  be  successfully 
grown. 

Pastured  Hogs  Injure  Alfalfa. 

Does  it  injure  alfalfa  to  pasture  hogs 
on  it? 

Ans.:  It  injures  it  to  pasture  it  too 
closely.  The  right  way  to  pasture  alfalfa 
is  to  have  your  pasture  large  and  then 
run  the  mower  over  it  occasionally  to  cut 
back  those  patches  that  the  hogs  do  not 
feed  off  so  they  may  come  up  green  and 
tender. 

Alfalfa  Hog  Pasture. 

Is  alfalfa  as  good  for  pasturing  hogs  as 
clover?  Will  it  make  a more  permanent 
pasture  than  clover? 

Ans.:  Alfalfa  will  make  as  good  pasture 
for  swine  as  clover,  and  it  will  last  a 


good  deal  longer  In  localities  where  It  will 
grow  well. 

Artichokes  for  Swine. 

What  is  there  in  favor  of  artichokes  for 
swine? 

Ans.:  For  fall  and  early  spring  there  is 
no  better  crop  than  artichokes,  which  give 
a rich,  fresh  feed  just  at  the  time  when 
grasses  and  clovers  are  at  their  poorest. 
The  crop  is  easily  grown  and  will  make 
a volunteer  growth  from  the  scattering 
tubers  in  the  ground.  Of  course,  this  crop 
cannot  be  cultivated,  and  will  be  more  or 
less  choaked  by  weeds  or  dwarfed  by  hard 
ground.  It  will  pay  well  to  plow  and  re- 
plant the  crop  each  season,  even  though 
planted  on  the  same  ground. 

Artichoke  for  Swine. 

Is  the  artichoke  a profitable  root  crop 
for  hog  pasture?  2.  If  so,  what  kind  of 
soil  would  it  require?  3.  When  is  the  best 
time  to  plant?  4.  Where  can  seed  be 
procured? 

Ans.:  The  Artichoke  makes  excellent 
hog  pasture  for  fall  and  spring  in  locali- 
ties favorable  to  its  growth.  2.  Like  the 
potato,  it  prefers  a black  loam  vegetable 


24 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


soil,  but  will  grow  in  good  shape  on  vol- 
canic ash  soils  which  characterize  many 
of  the  mountain  valleys  in  the  west.  3. 
The  tubers  may  be  planted  in  the  fall  or 
spring,  but  preferably  early  in  the  spring. 
4.  Seed  can  be  procured  from  any  local 
seedman. 

Soil  for  Artichokes. 

What  kind  of  soil  is  best  suited  for  the 
growing  of  artichokes? 

Ans. : The  best  soil  for  the  crop  is  simi- 
lar to  that  which  is  best  for  Irish  potatoes. 
It  should  be  rich,  mellow  and  well  drained. 
On  dry,  hard  clay,  the  yield  is  always 
small. 

Yield  of  Artichokes  Per  Acre. 

I am  thinking  of  planting  artichokes 
for  my  hogs.  How  much  could  I expect 
them  to  yield  per  acre? 

Ans.:  The  yield  is  variable  from  400  to 
800  bushels  per  acre.  Its  feeding  value 
is  equal  iD  value  to  that  of  any  other  root 
crop. 

The  Best  Pasture. 

What  is  a good  pasture  for  hogs? 

Ans.:  Where  alfalfa  does  not  grow  there 
Is  perhaps  nothing  better  than  a clover 
pasture.  June  and  Mammoth  mixed  are 
generally  preferred  and  make  a splendid 
pasture. 

Clover  Pasture. 

I have  a piece  of  land  that  I wish  to  get 
In  clover  for  hog  pasture.  Clover  does 
well  here.  The  piece  contains  about  five 
acres  and  is  covered  with  brush  ‘with  a 
few  scattering  trees.  Wild  peas  grow 
where  the  soil  is  burned  over  in  the 
spring.  I intended  to  clear  it  off  this  fall 
cutting  the  stumps  as  low  as  possible  and 
also  the  brush.  I will  burn  it  off  in  the 
spring.  Can  I get  a good  catch  of  clover 
by  disking  without  plowing?  I have  an- 
other lot  containing  two  acres  which  I 
intend  to  sow  to  peas  and  barley.  Will 
it  do  to  let  the  hogs  run  on  the  clover 
until  July  and  then  turn  them  on  lot  num- 
ber two?  ' 

Ans.:  A better  stand  of  clover  will  be 
obtained  by  simply  disking  the  land  refer- 
red to  than  if  it  were  plowed.  If  it  could 
have  been  burned  off  in  the  fall  the  clover 
could  have  been  sown  earlier.  Get  it  in 
as  early  as  possible.  There  would  be  no 
harm  in  sowing  a little  barley  or  oats 
along  with  the  clover.  It  would  make 
swine  pasture  before  the  clover  would  be 
ready.  The  swine  could  be  turned  in  to 
graze  as  soon  as  the  oats  or  barley  was 
high  enough  to  furnish  them  with  food. 
It  would  do  very  well  to  take  them  from 
this  to  the  field  sown  to  peas  and  barley. 

Grain  Feed  for  Pastured  Hogs. 

Does  It  pay  to  feed  grain  to  hogs  on 
pasture? 

Ans.:  Most  decidedly.  Hogs  should  have 
a little  grain  twice  a day  while  on  pasture 


no  matter  how  rank  it  may  be.  Not  much, 
but  regularly. 

Clover  Fed  Hogs. 

Will  hogs  do  well  on  clover  alone,  or 
should  grain  be  added? 

Ans.:  It  is  an  advantage  to  feed  grain 
with  clover  daily  at  regular  intervals, 
though  in  much  smaller  amounts  than 
would  be  given  if  the  hogs  were  confined 
in  pens  and  small  yards. 

Clover  and  Corn  for  Pasture. 

What  time  should  I sow  clover  with  corn 
when  it  is  intended  for  a hog  pasture? 

Ans.:  Not  later  than  the  25th  of  June. 
Some  weeds  will  come  up  in  the  corn  but 
they  will  serve  as  a protection  to  the 
young  clover  plants  during  the  winter. 
They  will  catch  and  retain  the  snow. 

Hogs  in  Polk  County,  Minnesota. 

Can  hogs  be  successfully  raised  in  Polk 
County,  Minnesota? 

Ans.:  Hogs  can  be  successfully  raised  in 
any  part  of  Minnesota  if  they  are  supplied 
with  an  abundance  of  good  rich  pasture. 
It  is  yet  an  experiment  as  to  whether  al- 
falfa will  grow  in  all  sections  of  Polk 
County,  although  good  results  have  been 
obtained  by  several  who  have  tried  it 
there.  Clover  generally  makes  a good 
growth  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state 
and  it  should  serve  your  purpose  well  even 
if  you  are  unable  to  grow  alfalfa. 

White  Clover  for  Pasture. 

Will  white  clover  make  as  good  pasture 
for  hogs  as  the  red  clover  does? 

Ans.:  White  clover  is  not  as  good  as  the 
medium  red  for  hog  pasture. 

White  Clover  and  Blue  Grass  for  Pasture. 

Will  white  clover  and  blue  grass  make 
a good  pasture  for  hogs  and  how  should 
I sow  it? 

Ans.:  They  make  very  fair  pasture,  but 
not  as  good  as  medium  red  clover.  Sow 
with  grain  the  same  as  other  tame  grasses 
if  the  ground  is  not  so  rich  that  the  small 
grain  will  lodge  and  smother  out  the  grass; 
if  so,  sow  among  the  standing  corn 
about  June  15th,  and  cultivate  once  lightly 
to  cover  seed. 

Substitute  for  Clover  Pasture. 

What  is  the  best  substitute  for  clover 
pasture  for  hogs? 

Ans.:  Austrian  brome  grass  has  been 
found,  by  many  farmers  of  Southwestern 
Minnesota  to  be  eaten  with  a relish  and  to 
be  preferred  to  clover;  but  this  should  not 
deter  anyone  from  giving  clover  a fair 
trial.  It  would  be  worth  a trial  to  turn 
down  a crop  of  the  above  grass  and  suc- 
ceed it  with  the  fall-sown  rye,  and  seed 
this  to  clover  upon  the  rye  the  ppring  fol- 
lowing. 


PASTURES  FOR  SWINE. 


25 


Grass  for  Swine. 

Would  Bromus  Inermis  succeed  on  soil 
that  held  surface  water  late  in  the  spring-, 
to  be  used  as  hog  pasture?  2.  Would 
Bromus  Inermis  or  Timothy  be  liable 
to  catch  if  sown  with  flax  on  a sod  pasture 
that  was  broken  up  and  sown  in  the 
spring;  or  would  it  be  preferable  to  sow 
it  the  following  year  with  other  grain? 

Ans.;  Much  would  depend  on  the  depth 
of  the  surface  water.  This  grass  has  been 
known  to  be  submerged  in  the  spring  for 
a couple  of  weeks  at  a time  without  any 
apparent  harm.  This  was  before  the  sea- 
son of  active  growth  commenced,  but  it  is 
probable  that  deep  water  covering  the 
grass  for  any  considerable  length  of  time 
would  harm  it.  2.  If  the  season  was 
moist,  either  Bromus  or  Timothy  would  be' 
likely  to  make  a stand  with  flax;  if  dry, 
both  would  be  pretty  certain  to  fail,  for 
the  reason,  first,  that  flax  is  usually  sown 
a little  late,  and  second,  such  a preparation 
is  not  really  a good  one  to  secure  a stand 
of  grass.  It  would  be  'more  certain  with 
both  kinds  of  grasses  to  sow  with  the  crop 
that  followed  the  flax.  It  would  also  be 
well  to  take  some  other  crop  after  the 
flax,  to  get  the  full  benefit  from  the  de- 
caying sod. 

The  Permanent  Hog  Pasture. 

I want  to  know  something  about  per- 
manent hog  pasture  and  what  kind  of 
grass  to  sow? 

Ans.:  Sow  blue  grass,  timothy,  alsike 
and  June  clover.  In  the  course  of  a few 
years  it  will  run  largely  to  blue  grass, 
which  is  the  best  grass  for  a permanent 
pasture,  as  it  is  the  first  to  start  in  the 
spring  and  holds  out  green  the  latest  in 
the  autumn. 

Permanent  Swine  Pasture. 

T have  broken  up  a piece  of  land  which 
is  rather  low.  It  was  broken  late  last 
August.  The  soil  is  black  and  sandy  but 
very  fertile.  I want  it  for  hog  pasture. 
We  thought  to  sow  alfalfa.  Would  that 
be  right?  How  and  when  should  it  be 
sown?  How  shall  we  manage  the  ground 
before  sowing?  Should  anything  be  sown 
on  the  sod  this  fall?  If  so,  what?  We 
want  a permanent  hog  pasture.  How  shall 
we  manage  to  obtain  the  best  results? 

Ans.:  If  the  drainage  of  the  land  is 
enough  to  admit  of  the  roots  of  alfalfa 
going  down  several  feet  before  reaching 
the  water  table,  then  alfalfa  would  likely 
grow  well  on  such  soil.  In  the  climate  of 
Mt.  Vernon,  S.  D.,  It  would  not  likely  stand 
the  winter  If!  sown  in  the  fall.  It  is  all 
right  plowing  the  ground  early.  In  the 
spring  it  should  be  well  stirred  and  sown 
with  alfalfa  seed  about  the  end  of  the 
wheat  sowing  season.  Sow  fifteen  or 
twenty  pounds  of  seed  to  the  acre  and 
cover  with  the  harrow.  It  may  be  neces- 
sary to  use  the  mower  on  the  crop  once 


or  twice  the  same  season  to  keep  down 
weeds. 

Permanent  Pasture. 

Can  I keep  a permanent  pasture  for  my 
hogs  without  their  rooting  it  up? 

Ans.:  Yes.  Hogs  that  have  a good  range 
are  not  liable  to  root  if  they  have  the 
proper  feed  and  plenty  of  wood  ashes  and 
salt. 

Continuous  Pasture. 

I mean  to  divide  a piece  of  ground  Into 
three  or  four  parts  for  hog  pasture.  I 
have  a piece  of  timothy  for  early  pasture 
which  I will  call  pasture  No.  1.  What 
shall  I sow  on  plots  Nos.  2,  3,  and  4 for 
midsummer  and  fall  pastures?  Is  rape  a 
good  hog  pasture  and  will  it  grow  with 
speltz  and  fodder  corn?  If  so,  how  should 
I sow  it? 

Ans.:  On  plot  No.  2 sow  oats  and  barley 
as  soon  as  the  ground  is  ready.  On  plot 
No.  3 sow  Dwarf  Essex  rape  early;  on  plot 
No.  4 sow  sorghum  after  the  corn  is  plant- 
ed, and  on  No.  2 sow  rape  after  the  oats 
and  barley  are  eaten.  This  will  make 
pasture  through  all  the  summer.  The  rape 
does  best  when  sown  by  itself,  but  it  may 
be  sown  with  speltz  and  pastured  where 
the  speltz  is  harvested. 

Early  Hog  Pasture. 

Can  a field,  plowed  last  fall,  be  made 
for  a hog  pasture  this  spring  or  early 
summer? 

Ans.:  A portion  of  it  may  be  seeded  to 
winter  rye  early,  and  seeded  with  clover. 
The  clover  may  be  a success  or  failure  and 
the  seed  may  be  lost.  Another  portion  of 
the  field  should  be  seeded  to  barley  and 
oats  mixed,  and  another  portion  to  Dwarf 
Essex  rape,  which  will  give  satisfaction 
nearly  through  the  season.  If  the  clover 
should  do  well  with  the  first  two  plots,  it 
will  make  a good  pasture  the  next  season. 

Time  to  Sow  Rape. 

When  should  I sow  rape  for  hogs? 

Ans.:  Rape  may  be  sown  for  hog  pasture 
any  time  in  the  spring  after  the  ground 
is  dry  enough  to  sow,  but  any  time  before 
July  will  do  if  the  season  isn’t  too  dry. 
It  should  be  fit  to  pasture  seven  week* 
after  sowing.  If  the  plants  are  eaten  off 
short  while  young  they  are  apt  to  be  in- 
jured, otherwise  they  will  sprout  up  again 
vigorously. 

Sowing  Rape. 

How  early  in  the  spring  is  It  safe  to 
sow  Dwarf  Essex  Rape  for  hog  pasture, 
and  how  much  seed  to  the  acre? 

Ans.:  As  soon  as  the  ground  Is  nearly 
dry  in  the  spring  it  is  safe,  but  a hard 
frost  will  kill  it  when  it  is  young.  About 
the  time  spring  wheat  sowing  is  through 
In  an  ordinary  year  is  a safe  time  to  sow 
rape.  Many  farmers  who  sow  rape  In 
their  grain,  mix  the  seed  and  sow  it  along 
at  the  same  time. 


26 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE 


Rape  for  Swine. 

When  is  the  best  time  to  sow  rape  for 
swine;  how  much  to  the  acre  should  be 
sown  and  where  can  I get  it? 

Ans.:  Rape  seed  can  be  sown  for  swine 
any  time  from  the  opening  of  spring  until 
the  middle  of  July.  Sow  about  five  pounds 
of  seed  to  the  acre.  The  seed  can  be 
procured  from  any  good  seedsman.  The 
rape  plant  is  one  of  the  best  for  swine 
that  can  be  grown  in  this  Northwestern 
country.  Sow  only  the  Dwarf  Essex  vari- 
ety. 

Hogs  on  Rape. 


Right  after  a rain,  is  there  any  danger 
from  turning  hogs  on  rape? 

At.s.:  There  is  no  danger  from  bloat  in 
hogs  pasturing  on  rape,  but  it  is  said  to 
cause  sores  behind  the  ears  if  the  pigs  are 
kept  in  rape  that  is  wet  most  of  the  time. 


Rape  Pasture  Growing  too  Fast. 


My  hogs  are  out  on  rape,  but  it  is  grow- 
ing a great  deal  faster  than  they  can  eat 
it  off.  What  can  I do  about  it?  I do  nc>t 
care  to  purchase  any  more  hogs  at  this 
time. 


Ans.:  If  the  rape  pasture  gets  the  start 
of  the  hogs  and  they  refuse  to  eat  it,  cut 
off  the  tops  with  the  mowing  machine  and 
let  it  make  a fresh,  succulent  growth. 


Rape  and  Oata  for  Pasture. 

Is  rape  sown  in  pasture  with  oats  good 
for  young  pigs,  also  for  old  ones? 

Ans.:  Rape  is  excellent  for  swine  of  all 
ages.  If  it  is  cropped  closely  while  young, 
however,  the  growth  will  not  be  as  sturdy 
as  if  it  were  allowed  to  get  larger  before 
pasturing.  For  this  reason  a good  many 
favor  sowing  the  rape  alone  for  hog  pas- 
ture. 

Oats  and  Rape. 

I have  a hog  pasture  of  about  two 
acres  (sandy  soil)  which  I wish  to  sow  in 
rape  this  spring.  How  would  it  do  to 
sow  about  one  bushel  of  oats  with  the 
rape  seed  for  the  pigs  to  work  on  till 
the  rape  is  large  enough?  2nd.  In  case 
the  rape  was  growing  too  fast  for  the 
pigs,  would  it  do  to  feed  it  off  with  cattle? 

Ans.:  Rape  should  grow  well  on  such 
a soil  if  it  is  rich,  but  the  plan  proposed 
would  not  work  well,  as  to  keep  the  oats 
down  the  crop  would  have  to  be  pastured 
early.  This  would  cause  the  rape  to  be 
cropped  down  when  young.  When  this  is 
cropped  young,  it  does  not  grow  up  again 
with  such  power.  A better  plan  would  be 
to  sow  clover  with  the  rape  to  provide 
pasture  later.  2.  It  would  answer  all 
right  to  feed  the  rape  down  with  cattle. 
It  should  be  remembered  that  the  highest 
pasture  value  from  rape  is  obtained  from 
it  when  it  is  pretty  well  grown. 


Hogs  Won’t  Eat  Rape. 


How  can  I get  hogs  to  eat  rape?  I 
read  so  much  about  it  being  such  good 
feed  for  them  that  I sowed  a piece  early 
in  the  spring.  It  came  up  nicely  and  had 
quite  a start  when  a hard  frost  in  May 
froze  nearly  all  of  it  out.  There  was 
some  left  under  the  protection  of  trees 
and  a little  left  in  patches  over  the  field. 
I turned  the  hogs  into  it  after  it  had  got- 
ten fair  size,  but  they  paid  no  attention 


to  it. 

Ans.:  Tour  hogs  had  never  eaten  rape 
before.  Keep  them  on  the  rape  and  they 
will  soon  get  extremely  fond  of  it.  Pigs 
will  leave  grain  to  eat  nice  crisp  rape 
when  they  get  used  to  it.  Don’t  be  dis- 
couraged about  the  rape  freezing.  That 
will  probably  not  occur  again  in  ten  year3. 


Pasture  for  Pigs. 

What  makes  the  best  hog  pasture  for  use 
the  first  season? 

Ans.:  Barley  and  Dwarf  Essex  rape  sow- 
ed at  the  rate  of  one  bushel  of  barley 
with  five  pounds  of  rape  seed  to  the  acre. 

Temporary  Pasture. 

I have  a few  hogs  but  have  no  pasture 
for  them.  What  would  give  the  best 
results? 

Ans.:  Sow  rape  seed  for  them  at  the 
rate  of  five  pounds  of  seed  per  acre,  and 
sow  again  every  six  weeks.  You  will 
then  have  a good  pasture  for  your  pigs 
all  summer.  Rape  will  furnish  pasture  in 
about  60  or  75  days  after  sowing. 


Barley  and  Rape  in  Place  of  Clover. 

What  can  be  sown  to  take  the  place  of 
clover  that  will  make  a pasture  soon  after 
sown? 

Ans.:  Barley  and  Dwarf  Essex  rape 
make  very  good  pasture.  Sow  about  a 
bushel  of  barley  and  five  pounds  of  rape 
seed  to  the  acre  and  turn  on  as  soon  as 
it  is  four  pr  five  inches  high. 

Hog  Pasture. 

What  should  I sow  for  early  hog  pasture 
on  land  broken  late  last  fall?  It  was 
brush  land  with  such  trees  as  oak,  willow, 
hazel  and  black-elder  growing  on  it. 

Ans.:  Barley  and  oats  will  make  good 
early  swine  pasture  on  this  land.  Dwarf 
Essex  will  also  make  good  pasture,  sown 
a little  later.  Canada  field  peas  would  fur- 
nish good  pasture,  but  would  not  be  ready 
before  the  middle  of  June  or  even  later. 
If  good  red  clover  is  sown  along  with 
the  barley  and  oats,  and  sown  pret- 
ty thickly,  it  will  probably  furnish  pas- 
ture late  in  the  season  after  the  barley  and 
oat  pasture  Is  gone. 

Pasture  of  Darley  and  Oats. 

When  should  hogs  be  turned  on  barley 
and  oats  for  pasture? 

Ans.:  As  soon  as  there  is  growth  enough 
to  cover  the  ground. 

Quantity  of  Oats  and  Vetch  for  Pasture. 

I want  to  sow  oats  and  vetch  for  a hog 


PASTURES  FOR  SWINE. 


27 


pasture.  How  much  of  each  of  these  seeds 
should  I sow  to  the  acre? 

Ans.  One  bushel  of  the  oats  and  one 
peck  of  vetch  seed  is  sufficient  to  seed 
an  acre. 

Vetch  on  Sandy  Soil. 

Will  vetch  make  good  hog  pasture  on 
very  sandy  soil? 

Ans.:  Vetch  is  not  generally  satisfactory 
on  sandy  ground  unless  the  soil  is  first 
inoculated  with  suitable  bacteria.  A good, 
rich  sandy  loam  is  well  suited  to  the 
growth  of  vetch.  This  crop  usually  grows 
very  well  after  a crop  of  clover  or  peas. 

Timothy  Pasture. 

How  does  an  acre  of  timothy  pasture 
compare  in  value  with  an  acre  of  clover 
for  hogs? 

Ans.:  It  does  not  compare  at  all.  Clo- 
ver is  generally  considered  the  best  crop 
to  grow  for  hog  pasture  wherever  it  can 
be  successfully  raised,  provided  alfalfa 
will  not  grow  there. 

Pasture  for  Swine. 

I have  a small  piece  of  ground  to  seed 
down  to  clover  this  spring  for  hog  pasture, 
expecting  to  run  a central  fence  to  divide 
the  ground  in  two.  Would  like  to  know 
what  is  best  to  sow  with  clover  to  furnish 
better  food  for  this  season  that  will  not 
hurt  the  catch  of  clover  or  the  growth  of 
the  same? 

Ans.:  Sow  barley  at  the  same  time  as 
the  clover  on  half  of  the  ground  and 
Dwarf  Essex  rape  on  the  other  half.  Do 
not  sow  less  than  two  bushels  of  barley 
per  acre,  and  begin  pasturing  as  soon  as 
food  is  plentiful.  Sow  five  pounds  of  rape 
seed.  By  the  time  the’  barley  is  eaten 
down  the  rape  will  be  ready. 

Hog  Pasture. 

What  mixture  of  seed  will  make  good 
hog  pasture? 

Ans.:  To  make  good  hog  pasture,  you 
may  sow  (1)  oats  and  barley;  (2)  rape; 
(3)  peas;  (4)  sweet  corn;  (5)  winter  rye; 
the  last  being  for  late  fall  and  early 
spring  pasture.  Sow  the  barley  and  oats 
at  the  rate  of  about  two  bushels  of  barley, 
and  one  bushel  of  oats  per  acre.  The  sweet 
corn  may  be  planted  as  corn  is  usually 
planted  for  growing  grain.  The  rye  should 
be  sown  in  August  or  September. 

Hog  Pasture. 

I have  five  acres  that  I would  like  to 
put  in  pasture  for  hogs.  What  shall  I sow 
and  how  much  per  acre?  It  is  a clay  soil 
with  stones  in  it.  How  many  hogs  can  I 
keep  to  the  acre  and  can  I put  them  on 
the  pasture  this  summer? 

Ans.:  A mixture  of  about  six  quarts  of 
red  clover,  five  pounds  of  rape  and  about 
two  bushels  of  oats  to  the  acre  will  make 
excellent  hog  pasture.  Divide  the  lot  in 
two,  alternating  the  pasturing  of  the  same 
as  you  see  it  is  necessary.  Rape  alone 


makes  a very  good  pasture  and  if  you 
use  it,  turn  your  hogs  in  when  it  is  six 
inches  high.  Do  not  be  surprised  if  at  first 
they  do  not  eat  it.  Starve  them  until  they 
do,  and  when  they  become  accustomed  to 
eating  it  they  will  enjoy  it  and  thrive 
satisfactorily.  Ten  or  twelve  hogs  to  the 
acre  will  be  about  as  many  as  you  can 
profitably  afford  if  the  pasture  is  in  good 
condition.  If  you  have  only  the  breeding 
stock,  one  sow  with  her  pigs  will  be 
enough  to  the  acre. 

Pig  Pasture. 

At  what  age  should  pigs  be  put  into 
pasture?  How  long  and  what  kind  of 
pasture? 

Ans.:  You  did  not  say  to  what  extent 
you  have  pasture  for  your  hogs,  but  there 
is  no  reason  why  your  pigs  should  not  en- 
ter upon  pasture  as  soon  as  they  are  able 
to  run  with  the  sow.  Let  the  pigs  run 
upon  a clover  pasture.  You  will  also  find 
barley  mixed  with  winter  rye  a satisfac- 
tory pasture.  You  will  have  healthier  and 
better  hogs  if  they  pasture.  Aim  to  let 
your  hogs  run  in  pasture  in  May  when  the 
clover  has  fair  hold  of  the  field,  and  when 
they  are  once  upon  the  pasture  feed  twice 
a day. 

Pasture  for  Swine. 

I want  a plan  for  five  acres  of  hog  pas- 
ture suitable  for  the  country  about  Ross 
N.  D.,  remembering,  first,  that  this  is  a 
new  country;  second,  that  we  are  subject 
to  early  frosts — as  early  as  August  7th; 
third,  the  soil  is  black  loam;  fourth,  we  are 
inexperienced  as  to  raising  peas  or  rape 
and  cannot  yet  raise  clover. 

Ans.:  Under  the  conditions  named  It 
would  be  best  to  sow  but  two  crops.  The 
first  would  be  barley  and  oats,  the  mixture 
consisting  chiefly  of  barley,  which  should 
be  sown  as  soon  as  it  is  safe,  because  of 
early  frosts.  Then  about  the  same  time, 
sow  Dwarf  Essex  rape,  at  the  rate  of  say 
five  pounds  of  the  seed  per  acre.  Neither 
crop  will  furnish  swine  pasture  earlier  than 
June  1st.  After  a lapse  of  three  or  four 
weeks,  sow  another  piece  of  rape.  This 
food  should  carry  the  swine  on  until  the 
end  of  September.  The  frost  should  not 
be  severe  enough  to  hurt  the  rape  befpre 
that  date  even  in  your  locality.  To  pro- 
vide pasture  for  the  next  year,  sow  winter 
rye.  This  should  be  put  in  about  the  end 
of  August.  Then  the  following  spring,  sow 
barley  and  oats  and  rape,  as  described 
above. 

Dividing  Hog  Pastures. 

I have  ten  acres  to  sow  for  hog  pasture. 
Shall  I give  them  the  run  of  the  whole  lot 
at  once  or  divide  it  up  into  lots? 

Ans.:  Hogs  are  wasteful  grazers  when 
turned  into  rank  pasture,  and  o great  sav- 
ing of  feed  can  be  secured  by  growing 
different  grazing  crops  in  long  narrow 


28 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


fields,  which  may  be  divided  into  sections 
by  movable  transverse  fences  to  allow 
for  frequent  changes  of  pasture. 

Pasture  for  Eight  Hogs. 

What  would  you  advise  me  to  sow  for 
pasture  to  carry  eight  hogs  through  the 
summer? 

Ans. : Sow  barley  and  oats  together  to 
provide  early  pasture  and  peas  separately 
for  summer  pasture.  To  carry  eight  hog3 
from  June  1st  to  August  15th,  plant  % 
acre  of  barley  and  oats  and  *4  acre  of  the 
peas.  Winter  rye  should  be  sown  the 
previous  autumn.  For  late  pasture  Dwarf 
Essex  rape  can  be  sown  any  time  within 
60  or  75  days  of  the  time  wanted. 

Pasture  for  Ten  Hogs. 

How  much  pasture  would  I need  for 
ten  hogs? 

Ans.:  By  making  frequent  changes,  one 
acre  will  yield  an  abundant  grazing  for  at 
least  ten  full  grown  hogs  or  for  a corres- 
pondingly large  number  of  younger  ani- 
mals. It  is  always  well  to  grow  a variety 
of  grazing  crops,  planted  so  as  to  ripen  in 
succession.  The  greater  the  variety  the 
better  will  be  the  results. 

Pasture  for  100  Swine. 

How  many  acres  of  pasture  would  100 
spring  pigs  need,  some  grain  being  fed? 

Ans.:  This  question  is  difficult  to  answer, 
owing  to  the  great  difference  of  soil  and 
soil  capabilities.  Ten  acres,  divided  into 
say  two  or  three  lots,  should  carry  100 
pigs  from  spring  until  early  autumn.  If 
all  were  in  one  lot  it  would  take  consider- 
ably more. 

Pasture  and  Swine. 

Is  it  necessary  to  have  pasture  in  order 
to  raise  hogs  successfully? 

Ans.:  A good  pasture  is  as  necessary  for 


profitable  hog  raising  as  for  the  growing 
of  beef.  No  one  should  attempt  to  grow 
pork  for  market  without  providing  at 
least  one  field  where  the  hogs  can  have 
abundant  exercise,  and  can  find  enough 
roots  and  herbage  to  keep  them  in  health. 

Pasture  Running  Short. 

I have  quite  a large  number  of  hogs  and 
find  that  my  pasture  is  going  to  run  short. 
It  would  not  pay  me  to  sell  the  hogs  now. 
What  shall  I feed  them?  I have  good 
fields  of  clover  and  alfalfa  but  want  to 
save  them  if  possible  for  feeding  my 
stock  in  the  winter. 

Ans.:  Haul  a big  load  of  either  clover 
or  alfalfa  hay  into  the  hog  lot  and  dump 
it  in  a sheltered  corner.  The  hogs  will 
soon  find  and  appreciate  it.  In  this  man- 
ner you  may  be  able  to  tide  over  until 
time  to  fatten  them  in  the  fall. 

Turning  Hogs  in  Diseased  Pasture. 

Is  there  any  danger  from  putting  hogs 
in  the  same  pen  and  pasture  next  spring 
where  sick  hogs  have  been  this  fall? 

Ans.:  The  sickness  that  affected  the  hogs 
is  not  stated,  but  presumably  it  was  chol- 
era. If  no  dead  hogs  or  parts  of  such 
were  near  there  would  probably  be  no 
danger  from  putting  hogs  in  the  same 
quarters  in  the  spring,  but  to  make  doubly 
sure,  it  will  be  a good  plan  to  draw  away 
all  the  manure  from  pens,  scraping  it  up 
clean,  and  then  using  lime  freely  as  a dis- 
infectant over  the  yards  and  on  the  floor 
of  the  pens.  This  done,  supply  the  place 
plentifully  with  bedding.  The  manure 
drawn  away  should  be  plowed  under  in  a 
field  to  which  the  hogs  have  no  access  in 
the  early  part  of  the  season.  If  the  pens 
are  thoroughly  sprayed  with  some  good 
coal  tar  preparation  there  should  then  be 
little  danger  on  account  of  any  previous 
disease. 


Swine  Diseases. 


Abortion. 

Please  tell  me  the  cause  of  sows  far- 
rowing two  weeks  before  their  time.  I 
had  eleven  sows  and  eight  farrowed  before 
their  time.  Three  raised  fifteen  pigs.  The 
sows  had  a large  place  to  run  in  with  no 
cattle  or  horses  near  them  and  a large 
place  to  sleep  and  we  fed  them  corn  and 
oats. 

Ans.:  The  only  way  to  account  for  this 
Ii«  that  the  abortion  might  have  been 
oaused  by  their  eating  some  ergotized 
grain.  This  will  cause  the  trouble.  It 
doesn’t  look  as  though  the  trouble  was 
caused  from  any  injury,  as  it  is  hardly 
likely  they  would  all  be  injured  the  same 
w*y.  If  the  male  is  sound  and  vigorous 


there  seems  to  be  no  other  way  to  account 
for  it  except  in  the  feed. 

Abscess  Forming. 

One  of  our  hogs  has  been  sick  for  the 
past  few  days.  His  left  jaw  is  swollen 
and  water  runs  from  his  mouth.  He  will 
eat  swill,  but  cannot  open  his  mouth  for 
corn. 

Ans.:  There  is  probably  an  abscess  form- 
ing in  some  portion  of  the  swollen  jaw, 
and  the  animal  will  get  no  relief  until  it 
breaks  and  discharges.  There  is  very 
little  to  do.  Foment  the  swollen  Jaw  with 
hot  water  twice  a day. 

Probably  an  Abscess. 

I have  a sow  with  a sore  on  her  cheek. 


SWINE  DISEASES. 


29 


It  is  spreading  now  in  spots.  Is  swollen 
some.  Does  not  seem  to  cause  pain. 

Ans. : Secure  th9  sow  and  make  an  ex- 
amination of  the  sore  and  see  if  there  is 
an  abscess,  and  if  there  is,  open  it.  Ap- 
ply to  the  sore  the  following  twice  a day: 
Bichloride  of  mercury  one  dram  mixed 
with  four  ounces  of  water. 

Acid  Stomach. 

What  causes  hogs  to  grind  and  grit 
their  teeth? 

Ans.:  Acidity  of  the  stomach  usually. 
Feed  more  charcoal  and  stop  feeding  milk 
for  awhile  and  you  will  find  they  will 
stop  gritting  their  teeth. 

Anthrax. 

Can  you  tell  me  what  is  the  matter  with 
my  pigs?  Their  ears  turn  purple  and  their 
feet  all  swell  up  and  they  seem  to  be 
weak  in  their  backs  so  they  can’t  walk. 
In  a few  days  they  Cie.  They  are  about 
four  weeks  old. 

Ans.:  Probably  marshy  pasture.  Died 
of  Anthrax. 

Apoplexy. 

I have  a sow  with  six  young  pigs,  three 
weeks  old.  The  sow  is  in  fine  condition. 
The  little  pigs  are  growing  fast  and  are 
very  fat.  Seem  to  be  in  good  health  one 
minute  and  dead  the  next  time  I look  at 
thenr. 

Ans.:  It  looks  very  much  like  apoplexy. 
Change  the  mother’s  feed  and  give  her 
more  roots,  such  as  cooked  potatoes  or 
turnips.  A complete  change  of  feed  for 
the  mother  is  the  only  thing  to  do. 

The  Black  Tooth  Myth. 

One  of  my  neighbors  is  having  bad 
luck  with  young  pigs.  They  seem  to 
thrive  up  to  about  six  weeks  old  and 
then  sicken  and  die.  I examined  one  and 
found,  as  I believe,  a well  defined  ease 
of  black  tooth.  Is  there  any  scientific 
basis  for  the  black  tooth  s’ckness? 

Ans.:  Black  tooth  disease  is  one  of  the 
cast-off  theories  that  were  relegated  to  the 
rear  at  the  same  time  that  hollow  horn 
and  a few  other  diseases  were  discarded. 
There  may  be  a disease  among  swine 
which  would  cause  the  teeth  to  discolor 
but  that  would  only  be  the  effect,  not  the 
cause.  You  will  gain  nothing  by  working 
on  the  effect  without  first  removing  the 
cause.  Scientific  research  proves  this  to 
be  a fact. 

Black  Teeth  not  the  Cause.. 

My  young  pigs  sickened  and  died  sud- 
denly. On  examination  I found  their  teeth 
had  turned  black. 

Ans.;  The  teeth  did  not  cause  the  pig’s 
death.  There  was  something  wrong  with 
the  mother’s  milk  which  caused  the  trou- 
ble. If  you  will  give  your  sows  before 
farrowing  plenty  of  cooked  roots,  turnips 
or  potatoes,  and  continue  this  feed  for 
some  time  afterwards,  you  should  not  be 
troubled  in  this  any  more.  Corn  meal  or 


pea  meal  or  oatmeal  is  very  good  for  the 
sows  at  this  time. 

Black  Tooth. 

Is  black  tooth  in  any  way  connected 
with  blind  staggers? 

Ans.:  No,  they  are  not  connected.  When 
you  are  feeding  a great  deal  of  acidulated 
food  it  will  often  cause  black  teeth.  The 
best  way  is  to  pick  out  the  black  teeth 
with  a pair  of  pincers. 

Blind  Staggers. 

What  is  blind  staggers,  and  what  causes 
it? 

Ans.:  Blind 'staggers  comes  from  one  of 
the  great  errors  of  feeding.  It  is  not  her- 
editary in  swine.  There  are  men  who  feed 
swine  regardless  of  their  powers  of  di- 
gestion and  assimilation,  and  they  gorge 
their  animals  with  one  kind  of  food.  Sup- 
pose you  feed  your  hogs  on  whey,  and 
whey  alone,  and  do  not  mix  some  oil  meal 
and  shorts  with  the  whey,  you  will  prob- 
ably find  you  have  blind  staggers  among 
your  animals.  When  the  digestive  organs 
become  so  disturbed  that  constipation  has 
taken  place  and  digestion  has  ceased,  in- 
flammation of  the  brain  sets  in.  Then 
the  next  step  is  blind  staggers.  The  hog 
has  a severe  pain  in  its  forehead,  and  it 
commences  to  run  around  in  a circle,  and 
is  almost  blind.  The  only  remedy  is  to 
give  the  animal  a physic.  Give  it  some 
common  clearing  medicine  to  remove  the 
constipation. 

Blood  Disease. 

One  of  my  sows  farrowed  three  weeks 
ago.  The  pigs  all  died  in  twenty-four 
hours.  A week  ago  I noticed  bristle:-? 
coming  out.  She  is  nearly  bare  now  and 
the  skin  is  of  a reddish  color,  rough,  dry, 
and  pimply.  She  seems  to  feel  all  right 
and  has  a good  appetite.  I am  feeding  new 
corn  and  boiled  potatoes  in  the  swill. 

Ans.:  From  the  symptoms  given,  it  may 
be  hog  cholera,  although  there  are  blood 
diseases  that  act  very  similarly.  Give  her 
a heaping  teaspoonful  of  sulphate  of  soda 
In  feed,  three  times  a day.  Use  plenty  of 
some  good  disinfectant  where  the  animal, 
lies  and  change  the  bedding  every  day. 

Blood  Disease. 

My  pigs  were  farrowed  about  the  last 
of  April.  They  did  well  until  about  six 
weeks  old  then  some  of  them  began  to 
get  poor.  They  would  scratch  themselves 
and  scour  some.  They  seem  to  want  to 
eat.  but  do  not  eat  much.  They  have 
black  teeth.  I have  some  of  them  shut 
up  by  themselves;  others  are  getting  bet- 
ter. Can’t  find  t any  lice  on  them. 

Ans.:  Your  pigs  are  troubled  with  ablood 
disease — probably  from  something  they 
have  eaten.  You  had  better  destroy  the 
very  bad  cases  and  try  to  save  the  balance. 
Give  each  pig  a tablespoonful  of  castor  oil 
and  it  also  will  be  well  to  dip  the  pigs  in 
some  disinfectant.  Use  disinfectants  free- 


30 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


ly  in  the  pens  and  especially  where  the 
sound  pigs  sleep. 

Blood  Poison. 

My  neighbor  has  a lot  of  three-months- 
old  pigs  which  have  a peculiar  ailment. 
First,  the  skin  cracks,  then  hair  and  skin 
both  peel  off,  leaving  hide  underneath 
dry  and  raspy;  the  tails  also  rot  off  and 
ears  dry  up  to  a shell.  The  pigs  have  a 
nice  clean  place  to  sleep  and  a pasture  to 
run  in,  with  oats  six  inches  tall.  How 
can  the  disease  be  checked? 

Ans.:  The  disease  is  due  to  some  poison 
acting  on  the  nerves  and  blood  vessels,  de- 
ranging the  action  of  both.  Ergotized 
grain  will  produce  the  very  effect  men- 
tioned. The  matter  should  be  looked  into 
very  carefully  by  competent  authorities 
and  the  cause  removed.  You  may  have 
your  local  board  of  health  call  in  the  state 
live  stock  sanitary  board  to  their  aid,  and 
they  will  send  their  veterinary  surgeon 
to  your  assistance  at  once. 

Brain  Disease. 

I have  two  pigs  that  lean  their  heads  to 
one  side  and  stagger  around  squealing. 
They  have  had  plenty  of  exercise,  and 
have  been  fed  corn,  skim  milk  and  ground 
food. 

Ans.:  Your  pigs  are  suffering  from  a 
brain  disease,  and  they  might  as  well  be 
destroyed,  as  they  will  not  recover.  You 
had  better  make  an  entire  change  of  feed 
with  the  balance  to  try  and  prevent  oth- 
ers from  contracting  the  disease. 

Incurable  Brain  Trouble. 

I have  a pig  that  keeps  running  in  a 
circle  all  day,  even  in  the  smallest  pen, 
sometimes  runs  backwards  and  staggers, 
eats  as  much  as  two  other  hogs  and  still 
is  poor.  She  always  looks  up  with  one  eye. 
holding  head  sideways,  and  is  very  rest- 
less. Is  there  any  cure  for  her,  and  if  not, 
is  the  meat  good  to  use? 

Ans.:  Your  pig  is  suffering  from  an  in- 
curable brain  disease,  and  it  would  be  an 
act  of  mercy  to  destroy  it.  There  is  noth- 
ing wrong  with  the  meat  if  the  sow  is  in 
good  condition. 

Brain  Trouble. 

A short  time  ago  I bought  two  six- 
weeks-old  pigs.  Lately  one  of  them  began 
to  have  queer  spells.  When  I fed  them  he 
would  take  a swallow  or  two  and  then 
throw  himself  back  and  begin  to  breathe 
hard,  sometimes  with  his  mouth  open. 
Sometimes  he  will  swallow  the  feed  as  if 
in  pain,  which  is  often  followed  by  a 
chill.  In  a few  moments  he  will  be  all 
right  and  go  on  eating  again.  Is  there 
anything  I can  do  in  such  a case? 

Ans.:  It  is  brain  trouble  and  Is  only 
aggravated  by  excitement,  especially  after 
feeding  time.  He  may  possibly  outgrow 
the  trouble,  although  this  seldom  happens. 
There  are  no  suggestions  necessary  except 
to  keep  him  in  a warm,  well  bedded  pen 
and  give  him  proper  care. 


Brain  Disease. 

Some  of  my  hogs  got  sick  a few  days 
ago  and  stopped  eating.  They  breathe 
hard  and  sometimes  in  a jerky  manner. 
About  the  second  day  they  get  weak  in  the 
hind  quarters,  stand  on  their  front  feet, 
open  their  mouths,  grit  their  teeth,  shiver 
and  act  as  though  they  had  a spell  of 
cramps.  One  died  with  its  mouth  full  of 
foam.  What  can  be  done  in  such  cases? 

Ans.:  The  hogs  are  suffering  from  a 
brain  disease  and  it  is  very  hard  to  say 
what  is  the  cause.  It  is  probably  due  to 
indigestion.  If  you  notice  any  others 
showing  signs  of  sickness  give  them  an 
ounce  of  Epsom  Salts  for  a hundred-pound 
hog,  and  follow  up  every  three  hours 
with  one-half  dram  of  Iodide  of  Potassium. 
They  are  very  unsatisfactory  cases  to 
treat. 

Tumor  in  Brain. 

I have  a little  pig  that  was  a runt  from 
the  start;  had  him  outside  in  open  pen 
and  it  was  wet  most  of  the  time.  He  con- 
tracted a cold,  wheezes  and  is  bloated 
After  awhile  he  got  so  that  he  couldn’t 
run  straight,  but  would  go  around  in  a 
circle  of  about  three  feet  in  diameter  with- 
head  on  one  side,  looking  upward  with 
one  eye;  he  seems  to  have  no  control  of 
himself. 

Ans.:  The  cause  of  the  trouble  is  due 
to  a tumor  or  abscess  located  in  the  brain. 
It  is  an  incurable  case.  The  little  fellow 
has  probably  been  doing  poorly  a long- 
time as  these  cases  usually  develop  slowly. 

Bronchitis. 

Some  of  my  hogs  are  coughing,  especial- 
ly in  the  morning.  We  feed  the  young 
pigs  slop  and  corn;  the  old  pigs  we  feed 
corn  and  water.  They  eat  well  and  are  all 
right  otherwise. 

Ans.:  The  hogs  are  suffering  from  a 
mild  form  of  bronchitis,  brought  on  from 
exposure  during  cold  storms.  Do  not  look 
on  it  as  anything  dangerous.  Keep  them 
warm  and  dry  and  comfortable  and  all 
will  be  well. 

Bunch  on  Sow. 

I have  a sow  that  ran  a stick  In  her 
neck  toward  the  shoulder  and  could  not  use 
her  leg  for  some  time.  It  healed  nicely, 
but  there  was  a bunch  there  as  large  as 
a man’s  hand.  Made  an  incision,  but  noth- 
ing appeared.  Can  she  be  kept  as  a breed- 
er? 

Ans.:  It  is  not  stated  how  deep  an  in- 
cision was  made  into  the  swelling.  It  is 
probable  that  within  about  two  inches 
from  the  surface,  pus  will  be  found.  In 
probing  it  after  the  skin  is  cut,  do  not  use 
too  sharp  an  instrument  lest  an  artery 
should  be  cut.  If  the  sow  is  very  valu- 
able there  can  be  no  serious  objection  to 
retaining  her  for  breeding,  but  if  she  la 
not,  it  would  be  well,  if  the  swelling  does 
not  subside,  to  have  another  take  her 
place. 

Catarrh. 

What  Is  the  matter  with  my  piggy  sow? 
She  is  snoring  and  cannot  grunt.  She  doe* 


SWINE  DISEASES. 


31 


not  seem  to  feel  well  and  eats  very  little. 
Her  nose  is  running  as  though  she  had  a 

cold. 

Ans.:  Your  sow  is,  no  doubt,  suffering 
from  a catarrhal  affection  of  the  throat 
and  head.  You  might  give  her  a half  tea- 
spoonful of  Chloride  of  Potash  three  times 
a day  and  if  possible  steam  the  head  twice 
a day. 

Choking  Hog. 

I had  a pig  choke  very  suddenly.  I 
thought  it  was  caused  by  a bone  or  some 
foreign  substance  in  the  throat,  and  could 
hear  it  breathe  several  rods  away.  I 
could  find  nothing  to  cause  it  to  choke. 

Ans.:  Suffocation  was  caused  either  by 
spasmodic  contraction  of  the  larynx  or 
paralysis  of  the  parts.  There  was  nothing 
that  you  could  do  to  save  the  animal. 
The  meat  is  healthy. 

Report  all  Cases  of  Hog  Cholera. 

A neighbor  of  mine  who  is  quite  a 
swine  grower  has  a disease  in  his  herd 
which  I think  is  hog  cholera.  He  refuses 
to  take  any  steps  in  the  matter  and  I am 
afraid  unless  something  is  done  the  disease 
will  spread  to  my  animals. 

Ans.:  When  an  outbreak  is  feared  write 
to  Dr.  Morton  S.  Whitcomb,  Secretary  of 
the  Live  Stock  Sanitary  Board,  Old  Cap- 
itol Building,  St.  Paul,  Minn.  Adherence 
to  ordinary  sanitary  conditions,  however, 
is  always  safer  than  to  depend  on  any 
official  board  to  set  things  right  after  the 
disease  has  once  started.  It  would  be  well 
to  notify  your  neighbor  that  there  is  a 
heavy  fine  for  not  immediately  notifying 
the  State  Sanitary  Board  of  all  suspected 
cases  of  hog  cholera. 

Hog  Cholera. 

I am  afraid  my  hogs  have  cholera.  Is 
there  anything  I can  do  for  them? 

Ans.:  The  following  is  the  government 
hog  cholera  remedy  to  be  given  once  a day 
in  doses  of  one  tablespoonful  to  each  200 


pountLhog: 

Wood  Charcoal  1 part. 

Sulphur 1 part. 

Sodium  Chloride  2 parts. 

Sodium  Bicarbonate  2 parts. 

Sodium  Sulphate  1 part. 

Antimony  Sulphate 1 part. 


Pulverize  and  mix  thoroughly.  Separ- 
ate the  suspected  animals  from  the  rest  of 
the  herd  and  it  would  be  well  to  treat 
the  healthy  animals  as  well  as  the  sick 
ones  to  the  same  remedy  as  it  may  be  the 
means  of  keeping  the  disease  from  spread- 
ing. 

Cholera  Preventive1. 

What  should  I do  to  prevent  hog  chol- 
era? 

Ans.:  First  breed  from  mature  breeding 
stock  so  as  to  breed  vitality.  Avoid  in- 
breeding  so  as  to  avoid  breeding  out  vi- 
tality. Give  them  abundant  exercise  the 


year  around  and  plenty  of  fresh  clover 
pasture  in  summer.  Avoid  an  all-corn 
ration  but  give  them  a variety  of  feed, 
including  pumpkins  in  their  season,  and  al- 
ways give  them  plenty  of  ashes  and  salt 
in  a dry  place.  In  short,  care  for  them  in 
a manner  to  keep  up  the  vitality  and  avoid 
as  far  as  possible  exposing  the  herd  tn 
cholera  germs,  by  keeping  all  dogs  off  the 
premises,  or  stockmen  who  are  likely 
to  have  been  around  cars  or  yards. 

Hog  Cholera  Questions. 

Hog  cholera  started  in  this  section  of  the 
country  last  fall;  it  went  through  my 
herd  and  I lost  20  out  of  25.  They  had  all 
been  in  the  same  yard  and  slept  in  the- 
same  house.  Five  of  them  were  not  sick 
at  all,  and  yet  they  were  among  the  sick 
ones  all  the  time.  1.  Will  those  five  be 
likely  to  have  cholera  within  the  next 
three  months?  2.  Would  it  be  better  for 
me  to  breed  from  one  of  the  sows  that  has 
recovered  or  sell  them  all  and  buy  a few 
pigs  next  spring?  3.  How  should  I care 
for  hogs  when  cholera  starts  in  the  herd 
so  as  to  lose  as  few  as  possible? 

Ans.:  It  would  not  be  safe  to  say  that 
the  five  animals  will  not  have  cholera  at 
all,  but  they  are  not  likely  to  have  it.  2. 
It  would  probably  be  all  right  to  breed 
the  sows  that  have  recovered.  They  and 
their  pigs  ought  to  be  much  less  likely  to 
•take  the  disease  if  again  exposed,  although 
sometimes  the  pigs  from  such  sows  do- 
not  develop  so  well  as  from  others.  3. 
When  cholera  strikes  a herd,  if  possible, 
keep  the  well  ones  away.  Put  all  the 
pigs,  both  well  and  sick,  on  a low  diet, 
that  is,  on  what  is  scarcely  a maintenance 
diet. 

Probably  Cholera. 

What  is  the  matter  with  my  pigs? 
They  stop  eating,  hump  up,  cough  and 
breathe  very  short  and  want  to  lie  in 
their  nest  all  the  time.  Will  weigh  100 
pounds.  They  were  running  out  with  good 
place  to  sleep  and  were  fed  separator 
milk  with  shorts  and  corn  and  a few 
beets.  Once  in  a while  they  were  given 
a little  clover  hay. 

Ans.:  It  looks  as  though  your  hogs  had 
cholera.  Would  advise  you  to  remove  the 
sound  ones  and  disinfect  your  pen.  Give 
the  sound  ones  a mild  purge,  say  a table- 
spoonful of  epsom  salts  to  each  hog.  Use 
plenty  of  disinfectants  in  the  pens. 

Cholera. 

My  hogs  cough'  like  a horse  with  the 
heaves.  They  do  not  eat  well  and  their 
hair  comes  out  in  the  advanced  stages  of 
the  disease.  I have  them  running  at  large 
and  feed  plenty  of  corn,  milk  and  swill. 
They  are  in  fair  condition  and  weigh 
about  100  pounds.  I killed  one  and  the 
the  liver  was  dark  and  greatly  enlarged. 
In  the  inside  it  looked  like  clots  of  blood. 

Ans.:  Have  your  hogs  examined  by  a 
competent  veterinary  surgeon,  the  symp- 
toms resemble  cholera.  Use  plenty  of  dis- 
infectants around  the  place  where  they  lie 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


at  night  and  remove  the  sound  ones  away 
from  the  diseased  animals.  Disinfect  every 
day. 


Swine  Immune  from  Cholera. 

What  kind  of  hogs,  if  any,  do  not  have 
cholera?  I have  heard  that  Jersey  swine 
with  mule  hoofs  do  not. 

Ans.:  It  is  not  certain  that  any  breed  of 
swine  will  not  take  cholera.  There  is 
breed  which  is  sometimes  claimed  to 
be  cholera  proof.  It  is  quite  certain,  how- 
ever, that  the  Duroc-Jerseys  are  not. 


Remedy  for  Coughs. 

Why  do  pigs  cough,  and  what  is  the 

remedy? 

Ans.:  It  may  be  caused  by  colds,  dust, 
foul  air,  want  of  ventilation,  wet  and  foul 
beds,  unless  it  should  be  whooping-cough 
or  pneumonia.  If  it  is  caused  by  any  of 
the  former,  remove  the  cause.  If  caused 
by  colds,  smear  the  trough  With  pine  tar. 
A little  sulphur  or  a few  drops  of  turpen- 
tine or  kerosene  in  milk,  and  a warm,  dry 
bed,  will  relieve  them  of  a common  cough. 


Contagious  Disease. 

I bought  a couple  of  registered  York- 
shires recently.  One  had  a light  cough, 
but  I did  not  think  it  serious.  Now,  some 
of  my  other  hogs  have  died.  One  sow 
died,  and  during  her  last  hours  would 
bite  and  snap  at  everything.  She  would 
lie  down  on  her  belly  and  act  as  though 
she  was  in  great  pain. 

Ans.:  Your  hogs  are  probably  suffering 
from  some  serious  contagious  disease. 
Some  of  the  symptoms  you  gave  resemble 
cholera,  others  do  not.  I do  not  think 
treatment  in  the  affected  cases  will  accom- 
plish much.  The  sound  ones  should  be 
Isolated  and  disinfectant  freely  used.  Give 
the  sound  hogs  a light  dose  of  castor  oil 
each,  and  follow  it  up  in  twelve  hours  with 
ten  grains  of  quinine  every  four  hours  for 
two  or  three  days.  Keep  plenty  of  clean 
straw  in  the  pen  and  all  the  cold  water 
they  will  drink.  The  affected  hogs  you 
may  also  give  the  quinine  too  as  above  and 
apply  mustard  to  the  sides  of  the  lungs. 

Constipation. 

I have  a sow  that  is  lame  in  her  hind 
quarter.  She  will  stand  on  her  fore  legs 
and  turn  round.  She  eats  and  drinks  all 
right. 

Ans.:  Feed  soft  feed  such  as  boiled  grain 
and  roots.  This  trouble  is  usually  due  to 
constipation  and  by  getting  the  bowels  to 
move  more  freely  you  may  cure  the  dis- 
ease, but  as  a rule  the  treatment  is  unsuc- 
cessful. 

Probably  Constipation. 

My  sows  are  due  the  latter  part  of 
September.  At  times  they  become  very 
lame  in  hind  parts.  They  slide  along 
rather  than  walk.  Are  in  good  flesh  but 
not  fat. 

Ans.:  The  most  common  cause  of  the  af- 
fection your  sows  are  suffering  from  is 
constipation.  Where  the  bowels  are  filled 
with  a firm  compact  mass  there  is  liable 
to  be  pressure  on  the  nerves  passing  from 
the  spine  to  the  hind  extremities,  causing 
the  animals  to  lose  power  of  the  hind  legs. 
The  only  thing  to  do  is  to  give  a mild 
purge  of  castor  oil,  two  ounces  to  each 
hog,  and  feed  soft,  easily  digested  feed. 
It  Is  more  difficult  to  treat  the  sows  on 
account  of  their  being  pregnant,  but  the 
oil  will  not  injure  them  in  any  way. 


Hogs  Cough. 

My  pigs  were  weaned  last  week.  The 
sow  has  a bad  cough.  It  seems  like 
whooping  cough.  I have  two  spring  fat- 
tening hogs  that  also  cough.  They  are 
fat  enough  to  sell.  I feed  corn  and  some 
shorts  in  slop.  They  all  eat  and  drink  all 
right. 

Ans.:  If  your  hogs  are  fit  for  market  you 
do  not  need  to  do  any  doctoring.  To  treat 
these  cases  properly  they  should  be  kept 
nice  and  warm  and  dry.  Give  a teaspoon- 
ful of  the  following,  three  times  a day  to 
each  hog:  Fluid  extract  of  licorice,  two 

ounces;  liquid  acetate  of  ammonia,  sir 
ounces. 

Bad  Cough. 

My  hogs  are  not  doing  well.  They 
have  a bad  cough  and  some  are  very  scab- 
by; have  been  feeding  them  cooked  feed 
and  corn  and  they  seem  to  have  good  ap- 
petites, but  do  not  gain  in  flesh. 

Ans.:  Have  a good,  warm,  clean  pen, 
with  nice,  dry  straw  changed  quite  often. 
Feed  liberally  with  good  food  about  as  you 
are  doing  and  give  following  tonic:  Sul- 

phate of  Iron,  one  pound;  powdered  gen- 
tian, two  ounces;  pulverize,  and  give  a tea- 
spoonful to  each  hog  twice  a day. 

Hogs  Coughing. 

My  hogs  are  coughing.  They  seem  all 
right  otherwise.  They  eat  well. 

Ans.:  It  is  very  hard  to  say  what  causes 
the  cough,  but  very  probably  bronchitis, 
which  in  some  cases  results  in  pneumonia. 
They  may  have  taken  cold.  There  is  also 
a possibility  that  you  have  tuberculosis  in 
the  herd.  Good  nursing  is  all  that  can  be 
recommended.  Keep  them  out  of  storms  or 
cold  winds  for  a time  until  the  weather 
gets  warm.  Allow  them  as  much  sun  as 
possible. 

Hogs  Troubled  with  Cough. 

My  hogs  are  troubled  with  spells  of 
coughing  when  stirred  up  a little.  They 
are  not  poor,  and  I don’t  think  they  have 
colds. 

Ans.:  The  coughing  is  probably  caused 
by  some  irritation  in  the  lungs  or  throat. 
This  might  arise  from  one  of  several 
causes,  as  for  instance,  going  out  from  a 
warm  pen  into  a chilly  atmosphere.  Damp 
bedding  would  also  be  an  aggravating 
factor.  It  would  be  necessary  to  know 


SWINE  DISEASES. 


33 


more  about  how  they  were  managed  be- 
fore one  could  be  quite  sure  as  to  the  cause 
of  the  trouble.  Whatever  the  cause  may 
be,  the  swine  should  be  fed  liberally  on 
warm  food  and  should  be  well  supplied 
with  dry  bedding.  If  they  can  also  be 
given  a little  laxative  food,  say  one-fourth 
pound  of  oil  cake  per  head  each  day,^they 
will  probably  soon  recover. 

Bad  Cough. 

I have  some  hogs  that  have  a bad  cough. 
Please  give  cure. 

Ans.:  Liquid  acetate  of  ammonia,  six 
ounces,  fluid  extract  of  licorice,  two 
ounces.  Mix  well  and  give  a teaspoonful 
three  times  a day  to  small  pigs,  and  a des- 
sertspoonful to  hogs.  Feed  warm  mash  and 
allow  them  to  run  out  in  the  sun  as  much 
as  possible. 

Bad  Cough. 

About  two  weeks  ago  I noticed  that 
my  boar  had  a cough  and  he  shakes  his 
head  quite  often.  I keep  him  in  a dry, 
warm  place  but  the  cough  seems  worse  in 
the  morning  than  at  any  other  time.  I 
feed  him  shorts,  warm  water  and  milk. 
He  is  gaining  in  flesh  every  day  but  the 
cough  hangs  on. 

Ans.:  Do  not  use  the  boar  for  breeding 
until  you  are  sure  what  his  ailment  is.  If 
the  case  should  prove  to  be  tuberculosis 
it  would  be  very  bad  policy  to  use  him. 
This  disease  is  quite  common  among  high 
bred  hogs.  Tour  care  of  him  is  all  right 
and  if  he  should  improve  and  show  good 
symptoms  and  cease  coughing,  you  need 
have  no  fear. 

Dead  Pigs. 

What  is  the  cause  of  a sow  having  dead 
pigs? 

Ans.:  A great  many  causes  might  be 
given.  Usually  it  comes  from  injuries  re- 
ceived by  the  sows  being  run  by  horses 
or  by  dragging  themselves  over  bars  and 
other  obstructions.  Sometimes  it  comes 
about  by  sows  being  compelled  to  sleep 
in  such  cold  places  that  they  pile  up  on 
each  other  to  keep  warm  and  thus  kill 
the  young  pigs  before  they  are  born. 

Deafness. 

What  is  the  cause  of  brood  sows  becom- 
ing deaf  after  they  are  one  and  two  years 
old?  Some  of  them  grow  deaf  and  blind. 
I have  now  a Berkshire  sow,  one  and  one- 
half  years  old,  which  is  getting  deaf. 
I have  a good  hog-house,  use  good,  dry 
bedding,  and  clean  out  often. 

Ans.:  If  deafness  follows  in  a herd,  from 
dam  to  daughter,  the  caqse  is  hereditary. 
This  is  not  uncommon.  Either  change 
breeds  or  strain.  Get  sows  of  a new  strain 
of  blood,  if  the  breed  is  preferred,  as  it 
will  follow  through  many  generations  un- 
less caused  by  outside  influences. 

General  Debility. 

My  hogs  are  not  doing  well;  they  have 


no  appetite,  they  cough,  get  scabby  and 
break  out  with  sores.  What  can  be  done 
for  them? 

Ans.:  Mix  about  a teaspoonful  of  sul- 
phite of  soda  with  feed  for  each  hog  three 
times  a day.  Change  feed  regularly  and 
bed  with  clean  oat  straw  or  wheat  straw: 
do  not  use  buckwheat  straw  or  unclean 
bedding  of  any  kind. 

Deformed  Pigs. 

I have  ten  sows  to  have  pigs,  and  three 
have  farrowed.  Each  sow  has  had  one 
or  two  pigs  that  are  not  developed,  have 
no  eyes.  One  sow  had  eight  living  and 
two  dead,  one  had  eight  and  six  lived, 
and  the  other  had  twelve  and  ten  living. 
Now  I would  like  to  know  what  is  the 
cause  of  each  having  pigs  that  are  not 
developed.  The  sows  are  a little  over 
a year  old  and  have  been  running  at 
large.  I have  fed  corn  twice  a day.  They 
got  with  pig  by  a young  boar,  but  no 
relation  to  the  sows. 

Ans.:  This  is  one  of  the  freaks  of  nature, 
which  man  cannot  account  for.  The  only 
way  in  which  the  cause  can  be  explained 
is  too  close  in-breeding. 

Dilation  of  Meat  Pipe. 

We  have  a boar  about  a year  old  that 
does  not  feel  well.  Every  time  he  drinks 
he  presses  his  nose  against  the  ground  a 
few  minutes.  I cannot  see  anything  else 
the  matter  with  him.  He  is  very  greedy 
when  eating  or  drinking.  I have  him  on 
good  clover  and  grass  pasture. 

Ans.:  The  trouble  with  the  boar  Is  di- 
lation of  the  passage  from  the  mouth  to 
the  stomach,  commonly  called  the  meat 
pipe,  caused  from  being  severely  choked  at 
some  time.  It  may  never  hurt  him  but 
cannot  be  relieved. 

Doctoring  Pigs. 

What  is  the  best  way  to  doctor  pigs  co 
as  to  keep  them  healthy? 

Ans.:  The  best  way  to  doctor  a pig  is 
not  to  allow  him  to  get  sick.  Give  him  a 
frequent  change  of  bedding,  a clean  pen, 
plenty  of  good,  healthy  food  and  lots  of 
room  to  exercise  and  it  will  save  you  some 
disagreeable  work.  It  isn’t  easy  to  give 
medicine  to  a sick  hog. 

Eczema. 

What  is  the  matter  with  my  hogs? 
A watery  substance  exudes  from  the  skin 
causing  the  bristles  to  be  constantly  wet; 
‘on  some,  down  the  sides  as  well.  It  does 
not  seem  to  affect  them  much  as  they  have 
good  appetites  and  appear  to  be  well. 

Ans.:  This  is,  no  doubt,  a case  of  eczema. 
If  the  weather  permits,  wash  them  with 
warm  water  and  tar  soap,  three  times  a 
week,  and  a strong  solution  of  creolin 
should  be  applied  over  the  affected  parts 
after  washing.  Change  their  bedding  oft- 
en and  keep  the  pens  as  dry  as  possible. 

Eczema. 

My  pigs  are  about  a month’  old  and 
seem  to  be  rubbing  all  the  time.  They 
are  Chester  Whites,  but  some  of  them  aro 


34 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


*o  scabby  that  their  skin  looks  nearly 
black.  Please  tell  me  what  I can  do  tor 
them. 

Ans.:  Your  pigs  are  suffering  from  ec- 
zema. Change  their  bedding  frequently, 
and,  if  the  weather  will  permit,  wash  them 
thoroughly  with  tar  soap  twice  a week. 
Then  wash  them  in  a solution  of  some 
good  coal  tar  preparation. 

Eczema. 

My  hogs  have  a scale  on  their  backs 
extending  down  the  sides  about  six  inches. 
They  rub  on  anything  that  will  answer 
for  a rubbing  post. 

Ans.:  Your  hogs  are  probably  suffering 
from  eczema  though  it  may  be  mange. 
They  should  be  thoroughly  washed  with 
tar  soap  and  water  three  times  a week  un- 
til the  disease  disappears.  Twice  a week 
apply  crude  petroleum  over  the  diseased 
parts.  Keep  everything  clean  that  they 
nse  to  rub  against. 

Sore  Eyes. 

My  pigs  are  troubled  with  sore  eyes. 
I have  some  spring  pigs  that  are  nearly 
all  troubled  this  way.  They  can  scarcely 
see  each  other.  What  can  I do  for  them? 

Ans.:  There  is  no  doubt  a skin  disease 
around  the  eyes.  You  should  not  let  the 
■diseased  ones  run  with  the  sound  ones. 
Wash  the  sore  eyes  once  a day  with  warm 
water  and  then  you  may  apply  the  follow- 
ing: Boracic  acid,  one  dram;  water,  eight 

ounces.  Dissolve  thoroughly  and  apply 
this  solution  twice  a day.  Use  plenty  of 
disinfectant  about  the  pens  where  the  dis- 
eased pigs  sleep;  any  of  the  coal  tar  prep- 
arations will  do  if  used  thoroughly. 

Sore  Eye*. 

A sow  that  I bought  a year  ago  has 
gone  blind.  Two  of  her  pigs  have  sore 
eyes  now  and  another  is  blind.  What  is 
the  trouble? 

Ans.:  The  hogs  have  an  incurable  affec- 
tion of  the  eyes,  and  you  had  better  get 
rid  of  this  family  and  buy  another  of  the 
same  breed.  You  will  probably  have  more 
or  less  trouble  if  you  do  not  change  as 
the  disease  is  hereditary. 

Sore  Feet. 

My  pigs  have  been  kept  on  a cement 
floor  all  winter  and  there  seems  to  be  a 
great  deal  of  inflammation  in  the  sensitive 
parts  of  the  hoof.  Would  it  do  any  good  to 
poultice  them? 

Ans.:  Poulticing  the  feet  1*  practically 
Impossible  under  ordinary  circumstances 
and  is  therefore  hardly  to  be  recommend- 
ed. If  the  sores  between  the  claws  of  the 
hoof  are  due  to  some  foreign  substance, 
the  part  should  be  thoroughly  cleansed 
with  warm  water  and  soap  to  remove  the 
dirt  and  if  proud  flesh  appears  a little 
ter-chloride  of  Antimony  should  be  ap- 
plied at  once.  If  this  doesn’t  remove  the 
proud  flesh  by  the  end  of  the  third  day  it 


should  be  applied  again.  The  sores  can 
then  be  healed  by  using  some  kind  of  zinc 
ointment  but  should  be  washed  and  dressed 
once  or  twice  a day  according  to  the  se- 
verity of  the  sores.  Pigs  that  are  so 
troubled  should  always  be  kept  on  a clean 
floor  while  being  treated  so  as  to  prevent 
infection  from  other  sources. 

Feverish  Sows. 

I have  a sow  that  became  feverish  after 
farrowing,  what  should  I do? 

Ans.:  Feed  her  some  raw  potatoes  or 
roots;  they  are  laxative,  and  if  it  is  a real 
bad  case  of  caked  udder,  so  the  pigs  can’t 
nurse,  rub  a little  kerosene  in  the  udder. 
However,  prevention  would  be  better  than 
cure.  Feed  properly,  give  plenty  of  exer- 
cise. Provide  salt  and  ashes  and  fresh 
water  all  the  time. 

Probably  Fever. 

I have  a sow  that  shed  all  the  hair  off 
her  back  and  sides  during  the  winter. 
What  caused  it  and  how  can  I make  it 
grow  again? 

Ans.:  The  question  cannot  be  satisfac- 
torily answered  without  knowing  how  the 
sow  was  fed  and  how  cared  for.  A fevered 
condition  of  the  system  might  account  for 
the  loss  of  hair  and  this  would  be  induced 
by  food  too  carbonaceous,  as  corn  or  rye. 
The  trouble  might  arise  from  an  unhealthy 
condition  of  the  system,  which  might  be 
brought  on  by  various  causes.  When  pigs 
have  hog  cholera  they  sometimes  lose 
nearly  all  their  hair.  As  soon  as  the  sow 
is  brought  into  a thrifty  condition,  espe- 
cially after  a period  of  grazing  on  good 
succulent  pasture  the  hair  should  grow  on 
again. 

Pigs  Have  Fits. 

My  pigs  are  troubled  with  what  seem 
to  be  fits  and  many  of  them  die.  What  is 
the  cause? 

Ans.:  The  cause  is  usually  stomach  trou- 
ble. Give  each  fifty-pound  pig  a table- 
spoonful of  epsom  salts  and  grade  the 
dose  according  to  size.  Feed  light  food  for 
a few  days.  Do  not  give  any  shorts  or 
grain  of  any  kind  for  a week.  Where  the 
hogs  show  signs  of  the  disease  you  may 
give  one-half  teaspoonful  of  bromide  of 
potassium  every  four  hours  In  a little  wa- 
ter, as  a drench.  Careful  dieting  is  the 
only  precaution 

Indigestion. 

i nave  some  pigs  seven  or  eight  months 
old  that  go  to  the  trough,  take  a mouth- 
ful or  two  of  food  and  then  stumble  back 
on  their  haunches  or  fall  over  on  their 
sides  and  shiver  with  their  mouths  open. 
In  five  or  ten  minutes  they  seem  all  right 
again.  This  will  continue  from  four  to 
six  days  when  they  will  get  sick  and  stay 
in  their  beds  and  grunt.  They  die  a few 
days  later.  I feed  a little  milk  and  swill 
from  the  house  with  shorts  and  shelled 
corn.  Is  shorts  good  for  young  pigs?  . 


SWINE  DISEASES. 


35 


Ans.:  There  is  evidently  something 
wrong  about  the  digestion  of  the  pigs,  but 
what  it  is  would  be  hard  to  tell.  Do  they 
have  an  opportunity  to  exercise?  If  not, 
give  them  their  liberty  at  once.  Shorts 
and  milk  are  both  good  for  pigs  of  that 
age  and  a small  amount  of  shelled  corn 
is  also  helpful.  You  might  give  them  a 
small  dose  of  linseed  oil  taken  along  with 
the  food  or  given  directly. 

Indigestion. 

I have  a lot  of  April  pigs  and  some  are 
affected  this  way:  About  two  months  ago 

one  died  and  four  more  are  now  sick. 
They  don’t  appear  to  be  sick  till  the  last 
day,  they  lie  down  and  never  get  up  again. 
They  have  a jerking  or  twitching  in  their 
sides  for  at  least  three  weeks  before  they 
die.  They  coughed  in  the  fore  part  or 
the  summer.  Were  out  on  pasture  and  fed 
ground  oats.  Since  August  they  have  been 
running  at  large  and  have  had  corn  and 
separated  milk  from  the  creamery. 

Ans.:  It  looks  as  though  they  were 
troubled  with  indigestion.  Change  the  feed, 
giving  soft,  easily  digested  food  to  the 
sound  ones.  Be  sure  to  keep  them  warm 
And  dry.  Do  not  feed  any  more  corn  for 
a week  or  so.  Remove  the  sound  ones  to 
a separate  enclosure  and  if  possible  give 
each  pig  a tablespoonful  of  epsom  salts. 
Do  not  let  them  run  at  large  for  the  bal- 
ance of  the  cold,  wet  weather. 

Indigestion. 

My  hogs  lose  the  use  of  their  hind 
quarters,  but  seem  all  right  otherwise. 
They  eat  their  food  the  same  as  usual. 
Please  give  cause  and  cure. 

Ans.:  Feeding  too  regularly  and  too  long 
one  kind  of  feed  is  considered  the  cause, 
as  it  is  liable  to  bring  on  indigestion  and 
bcfwel  trouble.  Give  a laxative  to  each 
animal  affected  as  soon  as  you  notice  it 
coming  on.  Keep  dry  and  warm  and  give 
pure  air  and  as  much  sun  as  possible.  A 
tablespoonful  of  epsom  salts  to  a hog 
weighing  one  hundred  pounds  is  enough 
for  a laxative. 

Indigestion. 

I fed  my  brood  sow  ground  oats  and 
ba^'oy  and  four  to  six  ear*  of  corn  at 
each  meal.  A few  weeks  ago  she  could 
not  walk.  She  has  not  lost  flesh  but  is 
still  bad  in  legs.  What  is  the  cause  of 
this  trouble? 

Ans.:  The  proportions  of  the  oats  and 
barley  are  not  given,  but  if  barley  was  fed 
freely  and  then  considerable  corn,  as  is 
stated,  the  diet  is  too  carbonaceous.  It  is 
probably  Indigestion,  and  the  sow  is  or 
has  been  constipated.  If  so,  the  carbon- 
aceous food  and  the  constipation  will  prob- 
ably account  for  the  lameness  of  the  sow. 
The  remedy  would  be  a change  of  diet. 
Withhold  the  corn  and  feed  more  shorts, 
bran  or  field  roots. 

Indigestion. 

1 have  a young  pig  that  has  been  off  her 


feet,  being  weak  in  all  four  legs.  She  is 
very  weak  in  the  legs  and  can  just  hob- 
ble along.  What  can  I do  for  her? 

Ans.:  Feed  the  pig  soft  food  and  have  It 
warm  if  convenient.  A little  linseed  meal 
once  a day  will  keep  the  bowels  loose. 
Indigestion  is  the  cause.  With  careful 
feeding  and  a little  salt  once  a week,  clean 
water  and  no  milk  she  should  be  in  good 
shape  in  two  weeks. 

Indigestion. 

I have  two  pigs.  One  has  a cough  and 
wheezes  after  eating.  They  eat  and  urink 
all  right  but  seem  to  be  troubled  in  their 
hind  quarters  and  often  go  around  kick- 
ing themselves. 

Ans.:  The  trouble  is  due  to  indigestion. 
If  the  hogs  continue  to  cough  and  show  an 
indication  to  a falling  off  of  flesh  you  had 
better  destroy  them  and  take  no  chances 
in  keeping  them  with  sound  hogs. 

Indigestion. 

My  sow  is  lame  in  her  hind  quarters. 
About  three  weeks  ago  the  lameness  went 
to  her  shoulders.  What  can  I do  for  it? 

Ans.:  The  cause  of  the  lameness  Is  due 
to  indigestion.  You  must  give  an  entire 
change  of  feed  and  if  the  bowels  are 
constipated  it  would  be  well  to  give  a 
tablespoonful  of  epsom  salts  in  her  feed. 
This  dose  is  for  a hog  weighing  150  pounds. 
It  is  doubtful  if  she  will  recover.  If  you 
have  to  kill  her  the  meat  is  good. 

Indigestion. 

My  pigs  seem  all  right  until  they  begin 
to  drink  swill,  when  they  squeal  and  tum- 
ble over,  shake  and  tremble,  lie  awhile 
and  finally  get  up.  What  is  the  cause? 

Ans.:  The  pigs  are  troubled  with  indi- 
gestion. Feed  less  and  give  more  exercise. 

Injured  Sow. 

Not  long  ago  I took  the  pigs  away  from 
a sow  to  wean  them  and  turned  her  out 
into  a pasture.  The  other  hogs  fought 
and  ran  her.  The  following  day  on  turn- 
ing her  out  of  her  pen,  she  could  not 
stand  on  her  front  feet,  but  would  crawl 
around  on  her  knees  apparently  not  hav- 
ing enough  strength  in  her  knees  to  sup- 
port her  body.  I have  been  feeding  her 
new  corn,  soaked  oats  and  slop  made  of 
shorts  with  a little  milk  added.  What  is 
the  trouble  and  remedy? 

Ans.:  The  sow  has  been  injured  by  the 
other  hogs.  From  the  description  given, 
it  would  hardly  be  possible  to  tell  what 
parts  are  especially  injured,  but  probably 
the  muscles  of  the  limbs.  The  chances 
are  that  she  will  recover  in  time  if  kept 
away  from  those  that  worry  her.  It  is 
doubtful  if  medicines  would  be  of  any 
service. 

Internal  Affection. 

I have  a three-months-old  hog  that  eats 
and  drinks  all  right  and  seems  to  be  do- 
ing fairly  well.  He  holds  his  left  ear 
down,  and  takes  spells  of  running  around 
the  pen,  and  also  has  a light  whistling  in 


36 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


his  throat;  yellow  water  runs  from  his 
eye. 

Ans.:  The  case  is  a very  unusual  one.  It 
might  arise  from  various  causes,  but  most 
likely  there  is  some  internal  affection  in 
one  side  of  the  head  which  affects  the 
brain,  sympathetically  or  otherwise.  It 
would  be  well  not  to  keep  the  pig  too  long 
lest  he  should  turn  up  missing  some  morn- 
ing. His  present  condition  would  seem  to 
indicate  that,  minus  the  head,  he  is  all 
right  for  food. 

Itch. 

My  hogs  seem  to  have  an  itch.  I am 
feeding  them  ground  barley  and  have 
given  them  some  sulphur. 

Ans.:  The  sulphur  is  all  right  if  not 
given  too  freely.  The  hogs  should  be 
bathed  once  or  twice  a week  with  a strong 
solution  of  any  of  the  good  coal-tar  disin- 
fectant dips. 

Itching  Hogs. 

What  is  the  matter  with  hogs  that  rub 
against  everything  they  come  to?  If  it 
is  a skin  disease  will  the  germs  of  dis- 
ease remain  on  posts? 

Ans.:  It  may  be  lice,  or  It  might  be  some 
skin  disease.  In  either  case  use  some 
sheep  dip.  Dip  the  pigs  just  as  you  would 
sheep.  Apply  some  also  to  the  posts  and 
to  the  sides  of  the  pen  where  the  pigs 
have  rubbed.  In  about  ten  days  go  over 
the  work  again  to  make  sure  of  a thor- 
ough job. 

Kidney  Trouble. 

I have  a boar  pig  that  is  weak  in  the 
kidneys  and  lame  in  the  back.  He  has  a 
fine  appetite  ard  is  in  good  flesh.  What 
can  I do  for  him? 

Ans.:  Feed  the  hog  soft  feed  for  two 
weeks  or  more,  and  give  a teaspoonful  of 
powdered  nux  vomica  on  feed  twice  a day. 
Keep  him  in  a dry  pen  with  good  bedding. 
Allow  plenty  of  exercise. 

Pigs  Go  Lame. 

I bought  a pair  of  pigs  that  were  in 
fine  condition.  A short  time  after  I got 
them  they  had  some  trouble  with  their 
feet  and  would  get  up  and  walk  to  the 
trough  and  go  through  all  sorts  of  mo- 
tions. Some  would  walk  on  their  knees, 
others  would  cripple  along  on  all  four 
feet,  then  suddenly  fall  over  on  their  heads 
or  sides. 

Ans.:  The  pigs  have  evidently  been  fed 
high  since  they  were  bought.  If  they  have 
not  had  the  chance  to  take  free  exercise 
under  such  conditions,  that  alone  will 
probably  account  for  the  lameness.  If  they 
were  allowed  to  lie  on  damp  or  steamy 
bedding,  that  may  also  be  an  aggravating 
cause.  It  is  possible  to  put  pigs  off  their 
feet  In  the  winter  by  simply  confining  them 
too  closely  when  pushed  with  feed,  even 
though  the  food  should  be  all  right. 

Lame  Hogs. 

Last  fall  we  built  a hog  house  with  bin* 


8x9  feet,  and  board  floors.  Some  of  the 
pigs  have  been  troubled  with  their  feet  and 
can  hardly  walk.  Did  the  board  floor 
cause  their  lameness,  or  have  they  had 
too  little  exercise?  They  have  been  in 
these  pens  all  winter. 

Ans.:  The  board  floor  is  not  the  cause  of 
the  lameness.  It  is  probably  caused  by  too 
little  exercise  in  connection  with  the  kind 
of  food  they  have  been  getting.  Pigs 
should  never  be  in  such  small  quarters  for 
so  long  a time.  They  must  have  exercise 
to  be  healthy. 

Leg  Weakness. 

My  pigs  are  troubled  in  their  hind  legs. 
They  get  stiff  and  are  unable  to  walk. 
What  kind  of  dope  or  stock  food  can  I 
use? 

Ans.:  There  are  two  affections  that  will 
stiffen  the  pigs  as  you  mention.  There  is 
a rheumatic  affection,  which  affects  the 
joints,  usually  the  hind  legs  worst,  and  the 
animals  lose  power  of.  their  limbs.  There 
is  alwaj'S  a swelling  of  the  joints.  The 
other  affection  is  a spinal  disease  which 
comes  on  gradually  and  generally  shows  in 
the  hind  legs.  This  is  usually  brought 
on  from  indigestion,  and  if  taken  in  time 
can  be  relieved.  If  your  animals  are 
healthy  and  thrifty  you  had  better  leave 
them  alone  and  not  dope  them.  Remove 
the  affected  hogs  to  a separate  pen,  so 
they  cannot  be  abused  by  the  others.  Feed 
the  sick  ones  cooked  grain  and  roots  for 
a short  time.  Give  ten  drops  of  tincture  of 
nux  vomica  on  the  feed  of  each  hog  three 
times  a day.  Change  feed  for  a week  on 
all  the  drove.  If  the  crippled  hogs  are  in 
good  flesh  you  had  better  butcher  them. 

Pigs  Losing  Use  of  Hind  Legs. 

What  is  the  cause  of  my  pigs  losing  the 
use  of  their  hind  legs,  and  what  can  I 
do  for  them? 

Ans.:  Sometimes  rheumatism  cripples 
pigs  and  sometimes  it  is  paralysis.  In 
either  case  give  the  affected  pigs  good, 
warm,  clean  sleeping  quarters  and  soft 
feed.  Avoid  feeding  too  much  corn. 

Weak  In  Hind  Legs. 

What  can  I do  for  my  pigs?  They  can- 
not stand  on  their  hind  legs.  I am  feed- 
ing corn.  oats,  barley,  wild  hay  and  some 
grain  every  day. 

Ans.:  It  is  doubtful  if  you  can  keep  the 
pigs  as  the  affection  Is  a very  serious  and 
fatal  one.  Change  the  fed  and  give  cut 
potatoes  or  turnips  with  bran  mixed  with 
it  to  which  is  added  a little  salt.  You  may 
give  each  hog  a dose  of  salts,  a tablespoon- 
ful for  a one  hundred  pound  hog  is  the 
right  amount,  and  should  be  mixed  in  the 
food.  It  is  also  advisable  to  apply  a mus- 
tard plaster  to  the  back  over  the  loins 
once  a day  for  three  days.  Keep  the  pigs 
warm  and  dry  with  plenty  of  pure  water 
to  drink. 


SWINE  DISEASES. 


37 


Weak  in  Legs. 

I am  troubled  with  my  pigs  nearly 
•every  year.  When  about  four  or  five 
weeks  old  they  seem  to  get  weak  in  the 
back  and  lose  the  use  of  their  hind  legs 
and  in  some  cases  they  lose  the  use  of 
their  fore  legs  also.  We  used  turpentine 
both  internally  and  externally  and  it 
seems  to  have  fairly  good  results.  Please 
tell  me  the  cause  and  give  a cure. 

Ans.:  This  disease  of  small  pigs  as  well 
as  large  ones  is  a very  serious  one  which 
has  proven  very  hard  to  combat.  It  is 
very  difficult  to  state  the  cause.  There  cer- 
tainly is  a nervous  trouble  usually  con- 
fined to  the  spine,  as  only  the  hind  quar- 
ters are  affected,  although  in  some  cases 
the  front  quarters  are  also.  Then  it  eman- 
ates from  the  brain.  It  is  usually  due  to 
the  food  they  eat  which  causes  indigestion 
and  a congested  condition  of  the  mem- 
branes of  the  spinal  cord.  The  pressure 
then  causes  paralysis.  The  most  effective 
thing  is  to  move  the  bowels  with  a physic 
and  feed  laxative  foods  until  the  pigs  re- 
gain the  use  of  their  legs.  Local  treat- 
ment is  beneficfal. 

Weak  Hind  Less. 

What  makes  hogs  weak  in  hind  legs 
and  still  able  to  eat? 

Ans.:  Overfeeding  on  an  unbalanced  ra- 
tion, or  wet,  damp  or  cold  sleeping  quar- 
ters. Sometimes  intestinal  worms  will 
cause  weakness  in  the  limbs. 

Lousy  Hogs. 

Will  kerosene  kill  hog  lice?  If  so,  how 
should  it  be  applied? 

Ans.:  Kerosene  emulsion  is  good  for 
hog  lice.  Kerosene,  two  gallons;  common 
soap,  one-half  pound;  hot  water,  one  gal- 
lon. Mix  hot  and  spray  both  hogs  and  pen. 
Clean  out  all  the  pens  before  spraying 
and  see  that  the  hogs  are  given  fresh, 
clean  bedding. 

Lousy  Pigs. 

My  pigs  are  covered  with  what  look 
to  be  hog  lice,  although  I am  not  sure  as 
I never  saw  them  before.  Is  there  any 
home  treatment  I can  use  to  kill  them? 

Ans.:  Many  old  breeders  scrub  lousy  or 
scabby  hogs  with  buttermilk,  although 
crude  petroleum  mixed  in  the  proportion  of 
one  part  of  oil  to  forty  parts  of  warm  wa- 
ter is  better. 

Hogs  with  Lice. 

What  can  I do  to  rid  my  hogs  of  lice? 

Ans.:  In  cold  weather  you  can  apply  Per- 
sian Insect  powder.  Apply  every  three 
days  and  change  the  straw  frequently. 
Brush  the  hogs  with  a good  stiff  brush 
twenty  minutes  after  applying  the  pow- 
der. In  warm  weather  dip  the  hogs,  us- 
ing one  of  the  coal  tar  preparations. 

Lice  on  Hogs. 

I have  two  hogs  that  I notice  have 


quite  a number  of  lice  on  them.  I hardly 
think  it  would  be  profitable  for  me  to  buy 
a dipping  tank  just  for  two  hogs.  Is 
there  any  other  way  whereby  I can  rid 
these  two  animals  of  lice? 

Ans.:  In  such  cases  as  yours  an  old 
sponge  may  often  take  the  place  of  the 
dipping  tank.  Saturate  it  with  the  solu- 
tion, and  squeeze  it  out  all  up  and  down 
their  spinal  columns  on  both  your  hogs, 
allowing  it  to  run  down  on  both  sides. 
Be  careful  also  to  examine  thoroughly  be- 
hind the  ears  and  in  the  creases  under 
their  jowls  and  between  their  hind  legs. 
These  are  common  hiding  places  for  hog 
lice. 

Lice  on  Hogs. 

My  hogs  are  troubled  with  lice.  What 
can  I do  for  them? 

Ans.:  Any  of  the  coal  tar  preparations 
manufactured  for  this  purpose  will  kill 
lice  on  hogs,  but  if  you  have  none  on  hand, 
a kerosene  and  water  spray  will  soon  kill 
hog  lice.  Then  thoroughly  whitewash  the 
pens. 

Lice  on  Swine, 

1 would  like  to  know  something  about 
lice  on  swine.  I have  just  bought  a reg- 
istered Berkshire  and  have  now  discover- 
ed that  he  is  covered  with  lice.  I never 
saw  them  on  hogs  before.  How  can  I 
get  rid  of  them,  and  what  is  the  reason 
for  hogs  getting  them? 

Ans.:  Swine  can  only  get  lice  by  coming 
in  contact  with  other  swine  thus  affected, 
or  by  coming  in  contact  with  bedding  or 
surroundings  which  such  infected  swine 
have  frequented.  You  can  get  rid  of  them 
by  mixing  sulphur  and  lard  and  rubbing 
on  all  of  the  infected  hogs.  You  may  have 
to  renew  the  application  at  intervals  of 
one  week.  Another  plan  is  to  use  kerosene 
very  much  diluted  with  warm  soapy  water. 
Apply  it  with  a brush  and  sprinkle  some 
of  it  over  the  bedding  and  around  the  p&'o 
In  which  the  animals  are  kept.  This  may 
have  to  be  applied  twice,  also.  If  the  kero- 
sene is  not  sufficiently  diluted  it  will  blis  > 
ter  the^skin.  Any  of  the  coal  tar  prepar- 
ations recommended  for  sheep  dip  will  kil.il 
hog  lice. 

Lump  on  Pig’s  Nose. 

Please  give  remedy  to  cure  a lump  os 
the  side  of  young  pig’s  nose.  I am  losing 
all  my  young  pigs  from  this  and  don’t 
know  what  to  do  for  them. 

Ans.:  You  probably  will  be  unable  i» 
save  any  of  those  affected.  Change  them 
to  a different  pen  and  give  an  entire 
change  of  diet,  which  may  assist  in  th* 
treatment  of  the  well  ones.  It  would  bo 
well  to  use  chloride  of  lime  sprinkled 
around  their  pen,  and  also  give  a little  lim* 
water  in  their  feed  twfce  a day.  If  yoti 
have  any  showing  enlargement  of  the  head, 
apply  tincture  of  iodine  with  a feather  or 
brush  once  a day  over  the  swelling.  It  is 


38 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


almost  Impossible  to  save  the  diseased 
ones  as  they  are  delicate  little  animals  to 
treat. 

Lang  Fever. 

My  pigs  are  taken  sick  with  some  dis- 
ease and  after  lying  around  under  their 
bedding,  breathing  like  a horse  with  the 
heaves,  they  die.  The  sow  is  in  good  con- 
dition and  has  been  fed  ground  corn. 
They  have  all  been  in  a warm  barn. 

Ans. : From  the  description  given  it 
*qoks  as  though  your  pigs  had  lung  fever. 
There  is  very  little  to  do  for  little  pigs 
of  their  age. 

Fung  Fever. 

Is  there  anything  called  "black  teeth"  in 
young  pigs?  I am  losing  a great  many 
pigs  this  spring.  They  are  mostly  from 
two  to  three  weeks  old  when  they  die. 
They  fall  off  in  feed,  ears  drop  back 
against  body  and  they  grind  their  teeth 
together.  Their  sides  work  in  like  a 
blacksmith’s  bellows. 

Ans.:  From  the  symptoms  given  it  looks 
as  though  the  pigs  died  of  lung  fever, 
which  they  probably  contracted  during  the 
change  of  weather  in  the  spring.  Keep 
the  small  pigs  in  a comfortable  place, 
especially  during  cold,  damp  weather  in 
the  early  part  of  the  year.  As  to  black 
teeth,  it  is  a myth.  It  is  an  old  theory, 
long  exploded. 

Cause  of  Mange. 

I have  five  shoats  that  have  been  out 
quite  late  in  the  fall  and  their  yard  was 
in  a pretty  bad  condition  before  I housed 
them.  I notice  that  they  are  all  pretty 
mangy.  Is  the  yard  responsible? 

Ans.:  Mange  or  other  skin  diseases  are 
often  caused  by  filthy  conditions.  This  is 
not  only  true  of  the  yards,  but  also  of  the 
bedding.  Wash  your  shoats  with  tar  soap 
and  warm  water  every  other  day  until  they 
are  in  their  normal  condition,  and  be  sure 
to  have  their  bedding  changed  every  day. 

Bunches  In  Mouth. 

What  makes  bunches  in  pigs’  mouths? 
Last  summer  I had  some  the  same  way 
and  attributed  it  to  dirty  water.  But  this 
year  everything  was  clean.  They  had 
fresh  bedding  and  plenty  of  exercise.  Is 
the  disease  contagious? 

Ans.:  The  disease  is  a very  peculiar  one 
and  does  not  appear  to  be  a common  sore 
mouth  from  stomach  trouble,  although  it 
probably  originated  from  the  stomach.  It 
may  be  contagious,  and  to  make  sure  you 
had  better  disinfect  your  pens  freely  with 
a strong  solution  of  some  good  coal  tar 
preparation.  Allow  the  little  pigs  lots  of 
exercise  in  the  sun.  It  is  essential  to  their 
good  health. 

Canker  or  Sore  Mouth. 

I have  had  a great  deal  of  trouble  this 
spring  with  my  pigs  that  are  troubled 
with  sore  mouths.  What  can  I do  for 
them? 

Ans.:  The  trouble  is  generally  known  as 


canker  or  sore  mouth  and  is  probably  due 
to  unhealthful  milk  from  the  sow  or  from 
poison  on  her  teats  which  is  due  to  con- 
tact with  poisonous  vines  or  wet  grass. 
Swab  the  pigs’  mouths  out  thoroughly  with 
a solution  of  carbolic  acid  and  water  suffi- 
ciently strong  to  make  the  flesh  upon  the 
arm  tingle.  Apply  with  a rag  or  small 
piece  of  sponge  tied  to  a stick.  Strong 
sage  tea  applied  in  the  same  way  is  good, 
and  in  addition,  blow  powdered  sulphur 
through  a straw  into  the  pigs’  mouths 
Both  the  sow’s  teats  and  udder  should  be 
bathed  with  a weak  solution  of  carbolic 
acid  and  keep  afflicted  litters  away  from 
the  other  pigs.  Be  careful  not  to  overfeed 
the  mother  when  the  pigs  are  young  and 
give  the  pigs  good,  clean  pens,  clean  beds 
and  a clean  place  to  run. 

Canker  In  Mouth. 

I have  some  pigs  that  are  troubled  with 
sores  on  inside  of  jaw  close  to  the  bone. 
It  is  a hard  substance  the  color  of  mat- 
ter. Those  affected  on  the  lower  jaw  in- 
variably recover,  but  those  affected  on 
the  upper  jaw  usually  die.  I have  bathed 
the  affected  parts  with  diluted  carbolic 
acid,  and  think  it  helped  some.  The  sows 
have  been  fed  all  winter  on  ground  bar- 
ley and  .oats  steamed  in  equal  parts,  with 
an  ear  of  corn  night  and  morning.  It 
seems  to  affect  them  when  about  two 
weeks  old. 

Ans.:  Tour  pigs  are  suffering  from 
cankers  or  sore  mouth,  which  is  a very  ser- 
ious affection  in  such  young  animals.  Use 
disinfectants  freely  about  the  pen  and  ap- 
ply penciled  nitrate  of  silver  once  or  twice 
a day.  Do  not  overfeed  the  sow,  and  be 
sure  to  provide  plenty  of  clean,  dry  bed- 
ding. 

Sore  Mouths  In  Pigs. 

My  pigs  are  troubled  with  sore  mouths. 
What  is  the  cause? 

Ans.:  Keep  the  pen  clean.  It  is  brought 
about  by  filth.  Use  plenty  of  disinfectants 
about  the  pens  and  yards  and  keep  them 
clean  and  well  bedded. 

Pigs  With  Sore  Mouths. 

I have  been  feeding  my  young  pigs 
with  dry  corn  and  their  mouths  are  all 
sore.  How  can  I remedy  this  trouble? 

Ans.:  Dry  corn  will  hurt  the  teeth  and 
make  the  mouth  sore.  Shorts  or  oats 
should  be  given  in  the  place  of  soaked 
corn  as  soon  as  the  pigs  learn  to  eat  fairly 
well.  Give  them  skim  milk  if  available,  if 
not,  a thin  slop  made  of  water  and  shorts. 

Sores  on  Mouth. 

I have  some  young  pigs  that  have  sores 
around  the  mouth  that  work  back  over 
the  body.  The  hide  gets  hard  and  cracks. 
They  get  poor  and  stiff  and  are  chilly  all 
the  time.  At  last  they  die. 

Ans.:  Use  a good  strong  disinfectant  in 
the  pen  and  over  the  little  pigs’  bodies, 
and  also  on  the  mother.  By  using  it  free- 


SWINE  DISEASES. 


39 


ly  you  can  check  the  disease.  Any  of  the 
coal  tar  preparations  will  do. 

Bunch  on  Navel. 

I have  a two-month-old  pig1  that  was 
all  right  when  born,  but  shortly  after  a 
bunch  came  on  his  navel.  It  has  kept 
growing  and  is  now  about  six  inches 
around,  dragging  on  the  ground. 

Ans.:  Turn  the  pig  on  his  back,  have  him 
well  secured  and  make  an  incision  through 
the  center  of  the  bunch  with  the  small 
blade  of  a knife  or  lance.  Be  sure  to  have 
the  knife  clean  before  operating,  and  wash 
the  parts  thoroughly  with  carbolic  solu- 
tion. If  you  find  pus  or  serum  make  a 
good  large  opening.  Keep  the  parts  thor- 
oughly cleansed.  If  it  is  a tumor  you  will 
find  no  fluid,  in  which  case  there  is  noth- 
ing to  do  but  dissect  it  out. 

Overfeeding. 

What  makes  pigs  run  to  the  trough, 
eat  a little  and  then  whirl  and  seem  to 
have  fits? 

Ans.:  Overfeeding  is  the  cause.  Get 
them  out  on  pasture  if  possible.  Cut  oft 
the  corn  for  a week  or  two  and  keep  them 
on  more  of  a vegetable  diet.  Feed  plenty 
of  roots  with  middlings  slop  and  keep 
ashes  or  charcoal  before  them  all  the  time 
as  a bowel  regulator. 

Paralysis. 

My  sow  had  little  pigs  about  six  weeks 
ago.  Now  she  is  crippled  in  the  hind  feet. 
What  is  the  trouble? 

Ans.:  There  is  paralysis  of  the  hind  ex- 
tremities. Feed  soft  feed,  cooked  pota- 
toes and  roots,  but  no  grain  for  a few 
days.  Give  her  a teaspoonful  of  tincture 
of  nux  vomica  on  feed  three  times  a day. 
Keep  the  bedding  dry  and  furnish  plenty 
of  it. 

Pigs  are  Paralyzed. 

My  pigs  have  some  kind  of  paralysis. 
They  have  no  control  of  their  hind  legs, 
otherwise  they  are  perfectly  healthy  and 
are  doing  well.  I feed  some  corn,  oats 
and  about  120  pounds  of  sweet  milk  per 
day.  Their  appetites  are  good.  They 
have  the  run  of  pasture,  which  contains 
clover,  rape,  oats,  timothy,  bluegrass  and 
numerous  kinds  of  weeds,  which  they 
relish.  They  are  from  six  to  eight  weeks 
old. 

Ans.:  This  affection  is  usually  brought 
on  from  rich  food  and  usually  food  that  is 
hard  to  digest,  causing  indigestion,  which 
results  in  the  paralysis  you  mention.  They 
are  very  unsatisfactory  cases  to  treat. 
You  may  give  each  a tablespoonful  of  cas- 
tor oil  on  an  empty  stomach  and  apply  a 
thin  mustard  application  over  the  loins  of 
each  every  other  day  for  three  or  four 
times.  If  they  are  constipated,  stop  the 
milk  for  ten  days  or  more. 

Paralysis. 

T have  a hog  that  drags  her  hind  legs. 


She  drinks  very  little  but  eats  well.  What 
is  the  trouble  and  what  shall  I do? 

Ans.:  Would  not  bother  with  her.  Kill 
her  and  get  her  away  from  the  rest  of 
the  herd.  Animals  rarely  recover  from 
paralysis  of  the  hind  quarters,  and  if  they 
do  they  are  often  not  worth  the  trouble. 

Piles. 

I have  some  pigs  that  are  bothered  with 
piles.  I lost  ten  fall  pigs  last  winter  with 
it,  and  now  the  spring  pigs  are  getting 
it.  I am  feeding  buttermilk  and  shorts. 
What  is  the  cause  of  the  trouble? 

Ans.:  The  shorts  is  the  cause  of  all  the 
trouble  with  your  pigs.  Stop  feeding  shorts 
and  change  onto  another  feed  for  a while. 
Put  a little  linseed  meal  in  their  food  for 
a week  and  your  trouble  will  soon  cease. 

Pigs  with  Piles. 

My  pigs  are  troubled  with  piles.  What 
can  I do  for  them?  I am  feeding  shorts. 

Ans.:  Change  the  feed.  Shorts  certainly 
cannot  agree  with  the  pigs.  Drench  all 
that  show  an  inclination  to  piles  with  a 
tablespoonful  of  salts. 

Piles. 

What  is  the  cause  of  piles  on  pigs,  feed 
or  cold  weather? 

Ans.:  It  is  very  likely  due  more  to  the 
feed  than  the  cold  weather,  deranging  the 
bowels  and  liver,  causing  the  hemorrhoidal 
veins  to  congest. 

Piles  in  Hogs. 

What  causes  piles  In  hogs  and  what  is 
the  remedy? 

Ans.:  Constipation.  Let  every  swine 
breeder  note  this.  It  is  the  forerunner  of 
many  diseases  and  troubles  with  swine. 
It  is  what  is  generally  termed  “bad  luck." 
It  is  always  caused  by  feeding  any  one 
kind  of  food  to  excess,  such  as  skim  milk, 
buttermilk,  or  any  one  kind  of  grain. 
Take  some  jimson  weed  and  mutton  tal- 
low, make  an  ointment  of  it,  and  with  the 
fingers  moisten  with  thisl)etween  the  rec- 
tum if  protruded.  Use  it  internally  and 
externally  and  feed  a loosening  and  cooling 
diet. 

Pneumonia. 

One  of  my  hogs  has  a bad  cough.  He 
has  trouble  breathing.  He  coughs  all  the 
time.  Is  it  cholera? 

Ans.:  The  hog  is  suffering  from  pneu- 
monia and  probably  pleurisy  as  well.  You 
may  give  it  fifteen  grains  of  quinine  at  a 
dose  every  three  hours  which  may  help,  if 
not  too  late.  Keep  the  other  hogs  sep- 
arate, and  give  them  plenty  of  clean  straw 
to  keep  them  warm.  Hot  mashes  are  very 
good.  There  is  not  much  danger  pf  serious 
trouble,  such  as  cholera,  or  you  would 
have  noticed  it. 

Pneumonia. 

T lost  a hog  that  had  a cold  and  cough- 


40 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


■ed;  he  ate  and  drank  until  the  third  day 
and  then  I decided  to  butcher  him.  I did 
not  like  the  looks  of  the  lungs  after  I 
opened  it;  it  looked  like  some  disease. 
What  can  it  be? 

Ans.:  Tour  hog  had  an  attack  of  pneu- 
monia and  the  lungs  had  not  regained 
their  normal  condition.  Do  not  take  any 
chances  with  the  meat,  as  it  must  be  fev- 
ered from  the  disease. 

Poor  Hogs. 

I have  two  poor  hogs.  I feed  them  care- 
fully, but  they  don’t  do  well.  How  should 
I feed  them? 

Ans.;  First  give  each  hog  a tablespoon- 
ful of  epsom  salts,  and  after  twenty-four 
hours  repeat  if  the  bowels  do  not  move 
freely.  After  two  days  commence  giving 
soft  feed,  such  as  boiled  barley  or  oats, 
peas  or  any  grain  you  may  see  fit.  Give 
cooked  potatoes  or  turnips  and  a little 
milk  jf  you  have  it.  This  may  help  if  they 
are  not  too  far  gone. 

Rheumatism. 

I have  a sow  with  rheumatism  In  the 
hind  legs.  She  drags  herself  along  with 
her  front  feet.  Can  I cure  her,  or  shall 
I fatten  her? 

Ans.:  It  will  be  difficult  to  get  her  fat 
while  in  that  condition.  To  fatten  her  is 
about  the  worst  thing  to  do.  If  you  keep 
her  you  will  be  forced  to  feed  her  mostly 
soft  feed.  The  only  internal  treatment 
would  be  fifteen  or  twenty  drops  of  tinc- 
ture of  nux  vomica  twice  a day.  Keep 
dry  bed  and  warm  pen  and  do  not  allow 
her  to  be  out  during  wet  weather. 

Rheumatism  in  Swine, 

Is  there  any  cure  for  rheumatism  in 
hogs  and  what  is  it?  Is  their  meat  fit  to 
cat? 

Ans.;  Rheumatism  in  swine  cannot  be 
quickly  cured  if  at  all.  Sometimes  it  can 
be  removed  in  the  course  of  a few  weeks. 
Much  depends  on  the  case.  If  caused  from 
feeding  too  much  corn,  the  feed  should  be 
changed  and  the  pigs  put  on  a light  diet. 
Encourage  them  to  take  plenty  of  exercise 
such  as  rooting  in  the  barn  yard,  if  in  the 
winter.  If  the  trouble  is  caused  by  damp 
pens  or  bedding,  the  defect  should  be  rem- 
edied. If  measures  are  promptly  adopted 
at  the  first,  the  pigs  will  probably  get  well, 
but  a good  deal  of  time  is  required.  If 
the  rheumatism  is  not  severe  the  carcass 
should  be  fit  for  meat  especially  if  the  pigs 
are  in  good  health  otherwise. 

Rheumatism. 

My  hogs  seem  to  be  troubled  every  win- 
ter with  rheumatism.  Can  you  suggest 
any  cause  for  it? 

Ans.;  Rheumatism  is  getting  to  be  a too 
common  ailment  of  the  hog.  He  should  be 
provided  with  dry  quarters  and  a more 
frequent  change  of  bedding.  Don’t  allow 
hogs  to  sleep  on  a cement  floor;  this  will 


give  them  rheumatism  quicker  than  any- 
thing else. 

Treating  Ruptured  Pigs. 

Nearly  every  year  I am  troubled  with 
having  one  or  more  of  my  boar  pigs 
ruptured  so  that  the  scrotum  becomes  very 
much  inflated  with  the  intestines.  Is 
there  anything  to  do  in  such  cases  other 
than  killing  the  animal? 

Ans.:  In  treating  this  disease  some  farm- 
ers castrate  the  animal,  push  back  the  in- 
testines and  sew  up  the  opening,  but  this 
is  a serious  operation  and  generally  proves 
fatal.  A safer  and  easier  way  is  to  use 
clamps.  Turn  the  hog  on  his  back  and 
gently  push  the  intestines  back  into  place. 
Then  draw  up  the  scrotum  with  the  testi- 
cles and  screw  on  the  clamps  back  of 
them.  By  the  time  the  testicles  slough 
off  the  opening  in  the  abdomen  will  have 
closed.  Of  course,  hogs  that  are  treated 
this  way  must  be  confined  by  themselves 
during  the  operation  and  should  be  given 
the  personal  attention  of  their  owner.  If 
swelling  takes  place,  which  is  very  prob- 
able, the  parts  should  be  frequently7 
bathed  in  hot  water  and  afterwards  with 
the  following  solution:  Sulphate  of  zinc, 

half  an  ounce;  Acetate  of  lead,  half  an 
ounce;  water,  one  ounce. 

Ruptured  Pigs. 

Can  you  tell  me  the  cause  of  a sow  far- 
rowing ruptured  pigs?  2.  If  a boar  takes 
his  time  and  serves  a sow  but  once,  is  it 
enough? 

Ans.:  It  is  not  uncommon  for  a sow  to 
throw  ruptured  pigs.  Do  not  breed  this 
animal  again.  Breed  only  sound  females 
or  those  that  produce  good  sound  animals. 
2.  One  service  is  as  good  as  two  if  both 
animals  are  in  sound  health. 

Scab. 

I have  five  cases  of  scab  in  a bunch  of 
shoats.  Some  are  pretty  bad.  What  is 
the  best  treatment? 

Ans.:  The  best  treatment  known  is  to 
give  the  pigs  a bath  in  tar  soap  and  hot 
water  twice  a week.  When  dry,  apply 
crude  petroleum  all  over  the  diseased  skin. 
This  is  applied  twice  a week  and  is  very 
effectual.  Keep  the  diseased  pigs  isolated 
and  thoroughly  clean  and  disinfect  their 
pen  with  a coal  tar  disinfectant. 

Scurf. 

What  is  good  for  scurf  in  hogs? 

Ans.:  First  clean,  dry  beds,  but  when 
once  affected  wash  them  thoroughly  with  a 
cloth  or  brush,  with  strong  soap  suds. 
When  dry,  sponge  them  with  carbolic  acid, 
diluted,  till  it  makes  your  arm  begin  to 
tingle,  or  use  kerosene  oil.  Two  applica- 
tions will  generally  cure  them. 

Imperfect  Sheath. 

I have  a Poland-China  boar,  seven 
months  old.  He  has  a growth  as  large  as 


SWINE  DISEASES. 


41 


a big  apple  on  his  sheath.  Urine  lodges 
in  it.  It  has  been  growing  about  three 
months.  He  is  in  good  condition  other- 
wise. What  can  I do  for  him? 

Ans.:  Turn  the  animal  on  his  back  and 
have  him  held  securely  while  you  make  a 
careful  examination  of  the  part.  If  you 
find  the  opening  in  the  sheath  imperfect 
you  had  better  make  a free  opening  with 
a sharp  knife.  If  it  is  a tumor  or  fungous 
growth,  the  only  thing  to  do  is  to  dissect 
it  out.  Be  careful  to  keep  your  hand3 
clean  during  the  operation  or  infection 
may  set  in.  Keep  the  boar  by  himself  and 
see  that  his  pen  is  cleaned  out  every  day 
and  that  plenty  of  clean,  fresh  bedding  is 
provided. 

Sores  on  Hogs. 

Bast  summer  my  hogs  got  sore  noses, 
eyes  and  tails.  The  skin  would  crack  and 
when  the  scabs  came  off  would  leave  raw 
sores.  I feed  them  mostly  corn  and  slop 
from  the  house  with  milk  in  it.  This 
spring  my  little  pigs,  a week  old,  are  af- 
fected the  same  way.  Although  I have 
not  lost  any,  mv  neighbor  has  from  the 
same  disease.  They  appear  healthy  and 
always  eat  all  we  give  them. 

Ans.:  The  cause  may  be  due  either  to 
the  feed  or  something  wrong  with  the 
sleeping  quarters.  It  would  take  a per- 
sonal investigation  to  find  the  cause.  At 
any  rate,  you  will  do  well  to  use  plenty 
of  disinfectant  about  the  pens. 

Spinal  Trouble. 

I have  five  August  pigs,  two  of  which 
got  crippled  in  their  legs.  I fed  them 
corn,  warm  slop  of  buttermilk  and  ground 
feed. 

Ans.:  Tour  pigs  are  suffering  from  spinal 
affection  due  frequently  to  indigestion. 
Change  your  feed  entirely.  Feed  soft 
cooked  feed  and  more  roots.  If  the  bowels 
are  constipated,  give  a physic. 

Pigs  with  Spine  Affection. 

My  pigs  are  about  two  months  old,  but 
seem  to  have  no  strength  in  the  hind 
legs.  They  are  healthy  and  have  good 
appetites. 

Ans.:  Tour  pigs  are  suffering  from  a 
spinal  affection,  no  doubt  caused  from  some 
indigestible  food.  Change  your  feed  and 
give  easily  digested  food  for  a week  or 
two,  with  the  following  medicine:  10 

drops  of  tincture  of  nux  vomica 
every  five  hours  for  four  days  and  then 
give  12  drops  three  times  a day  for  a week. 
Apply  a weak  solution  of  mustard  over  the 
loins  twice  a week.  Keep  the  pigs  dry' 
and  clean.  Tour  cases  are  very  serious 
and  recovery  is  doubtful. 

Spinal  Disease. 

I had  a sow  that  I had  been  fattening 
to  butcher.  From  time  to  time  she  got 
lame  and  poor,  and  now  she  cannot  get  up 
to  go  to  the  trough.  She  can’t  straighten 
her  forelegs.  She  crawls  on  her  knees. 
Can’t  eat  much.  Her  weight  is  350 
pounds. 


Ans.:  It  is  undoubtedly  a spinal  disease, 
very  like  softening  of  the  spinal  cord, 
causing  paralysis.  There  is  no  help  for 
the  animal  and  you  had  better  destroy  her 
as  she  will  continue  to  lose  flesh  and  grad- 
ually grow  worse  until  she  dies. 

Spinal  Trouble. 

one  of  my  sows  seems  to  have  some 
trouble  in  the  hind  legs.  She  can  hardly 
get  up  and  the  legs  seem  to  grow  weak. 
Will  not  eat  any  food.  Do  you  think  it 
due  to  any  spinal  trouble? 

Ans.:  It  is  surely  spinal  trouble  which 
usually  has  a fatal  termination.  Give  her 
a purge.  A tablespoon  of  epsom  salts  in 
luke  warm  water  is  very  good  on  an  empty 
stomach.  Follow  this  up  with  ten  drops 
of  Tincture  of  Nux  Vomica  three  times  a 
day.  Feed  laxative  food. 

Spinal  Disease. 

My  one-year-old  sow  has  seven  pigs  18 
days  old.  The  sow  seems  to  be  hurt  or 
weak  in  the  back,  and  squeals  when 
getting  up.  She  can  scarcely  walk  or 
stand.  Has  refused  food  for  a week  ex- 
cept for  a little  sweet  milk  and  some  raw 
meat.  She  is  constipated  and  her  manure 
is  black  and  dry.  She  weighs  about  300 
pounds  and  is  in  good  flesh.  The  pigs  are 
still  nursing  her.  Should  I take  the  pigs 
from  her?  They  seem  hungry  all  the  time 
but  look  all  right.  What  can  I do  for  the 
sow? 

Ans.:  Tour  sow  is  affected  with  a spinal 
disease.  If  you  have  any  convenience  for 
raising  the  pigs,  or  a foster  mother  to  put 
them  on,  you  had  better  do  so.  Apply 
a mustard  plaster  over  the  loins,  covering 
the  mustard  with  paper  and  cloth,  to  keep 
the  cold  air  off.  Repeat  the  mustard  ap- 
plication every  day  unless  the  skin  gets 
sore.  Give  the  sow  internally,  one-half 
teaspoonful  of  bromide  of  potassium  three 
times  a day,  and  if  the  bowels  are  consti- 
pated, as  they  usually  are,  then  give  a 
tablespoonful  of  salts  and  feed  only  soft 
food  for  a week.  This  is  a very  serious 
affection  especially  with  a large  heavy  ani- 
mal. 

Spinal  Meningitis. 

Eight  or  ten  of  my  sows  want  to  sit 
down  when  they  eat.  While  standing  they 
keep  stamping  their  feet.  My  pigs  are 
troubled  the  same  way.  I only  raised  pigs 
from  one  sow  that  had  the  disease  and  her 
pigs  were  all  right.  They  have  all  t>.o 
exercise  they  want. 

Ans.:  Tour  pigs  are  affected  with  spinal 
meningitis.  Those  that  lost  the  power  of 
their  hind  legs  and  died  had  softening  of 
the  spinal  cord  which  is  always  fatal.  It  ia 
impossible  to  state  what  caused  the  dis- 
ease. It  was  possibly  due  to  something 
they  had  eaten.  If  your  state  veterinar- 
ian is  notified  through  your  local  board  of 
health,  he  will  help  you  out.  This  is  what 
you  had  better  do. 

Hogs  Weak  in  Back. 

I have  some  young  hogs  that  are  weak 


42 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


In  the  back.  Some  can  scarcely  walk. 
Can  I do  anything  for  them? 

Ans.:  It  is  probably  too  late  to  do  any- 
thing, as  these  cases  are  usually  hopeless 
from  the  start.  It  is  a spinal  trouble,  and 
one  which  rarely  can  be  cured.  The  only 
thing  that  you  could  possibly  do  for  the 
pigs  would  be  to  give  them  a laxative. 
A tablespoonful  of  epsom  salts  to  a fifty 
pound  hog.  Give  ten  drops  of  tincture  of 
nux  vomica  to  each  hog  three  times  a day. 

Spinal  Trouble. 

I have  a young  sow  that  had  pigs  about 
five  weeks  ago.  She  did  well  for  about 
four  weeks  and  then  suddenly  seemed  to 
lose  the  use  of  her  hind  quarters.  If  her 
hind  legs  are  moved  she  squeals  as  if  in 
pain.  Her  appetite  is  good.  Is  there  any- 
thing I can  do  for  her? 

Ans.:  There  Is  a spinal  disease  and  very 
probably  the  joints  of  the  hind  extremities 
have  taken  on  a form  of  rheumatic  arthrit- 
is. It  is  a very  serious  and  dangerous 
disease  as  you  cannot  give  the  treatment 
she  should  have  without  injuring  the  little 
pigs.  Give  a dram  of  salicilate  of  soda 
three  time  a day  and  apply  a mustard  paste 
on  the  loins  once  a day  for  three  days. 
You  may  wash  the  legs  in  mustard  water 
once  a day  for  a week.  This  may  relieve 
her.  Feed  laxative  food. 

Stiffened  Hog. 

About  a month  ago  one  of  my  hogs  be- 
came stiffened.  He  seemed  to  get  worse 
and  after  a while  would  not  come  to  the 
trough  with  the  others.  I put  him  by 
himself  about  two  weeks  ago  but  now  he 
lies  nearly  all  the  time.  Have  to  move 
him  sometimes  to  get  him  to  eat.  He  is 
about  eight  months  old. 

Ans.:  Don’t  waste  any  time  or  money  on 
the  hog.  If  you  do  not  destroy  him  now, 
he  will  certainly  die  in  spite  of  what  you 
do  for  him.  It  is  discouraging  but  true. 

Stiff  in  Hind  Quarters. 

I have  a sow  that  had  pigs  last  summer. 
When  they  were  about  six  weeks  old  she 
got  stiff  in  her  hind  quarters  and  is  not 
able  to  use  her  hind  legs.  When  I raise 
her  up  her  hind  legs  are  crossed.  I feed 
her  corn  and  have  her  out  on  grass.  What 
can  I do  for  her? 

Ans.:  There  is  no  use  treating  the  case 
as  she  will  never  recover.  If  she  is  in 
good  flesh  you  had  better  butcher  her  as 
she  will  be  liable  to  get  worse  instead  of 
better.  There  is  an  affection  of  the  spine. 

Stomach  Trouble. 

My  hogs  are  not  doing  well.  Some  of 
them  turn  their  noses  up  continually  in 
breathing,  and  blow  all  the  time. 

Ans.:  It  is  very  difficult  to  state  the 
cause  of  the  trouble  without  seeing  them. 
You  had  better  change  your  feed  and  give 
quite  a considerable  amount  of  roots. 
Feed  them  mixed  either  with  ground  feed 
or  shorts,  in  moderate  quantities;  feed  the 
roots  cooked.  There  Is  no  medicine  that 


could  be  recommended  for  this  trouble. 

Sour  Stomach. 

I have  a number  of  hogs  that  seem  to 
be  troubled  with  sour  stomach,  xhey 
keep  gagging  all  the  time,  and  seem  to  be 
full  of  gas.  What  shall  I do  for  them? 

Ans.:  See  that  they  are  provided  with  a 
box  of  salt  and  wood  ashes,  2 quarts  of 
salt  to  a bushel  of  wood  ashes  is  a proper 
combination.  Give  hogs  all  the  wood  ash- 
es they  will  eat,  and  in  the  absence  of  this, 
charcoal  or  even  soft  coal  will  answer. 
Hogs  that  have  not  been  used  to  salt 
should  be  given  it  sparingly  until  they 
become  used  to  it. 

Sun  Scald. 

My  pigs  are  running  on  a rape  and  oats 
pasture.  Their  ears  get  sore  and  they 
have  sores  along  their  backs  also.  It 
seems  to  be  from  the  heat  of  the  sun,  and 
a shower  of  rain  makes  them  itch  terribly. 

Ans.:  The  trouble  is  probably  caused  by 
their  running  in  tall  rape  and  oats  while 
both  are  wet.  Under  such  conditions  the 
sun  is  likely  to  produce  the  result  com- 
plained of.  It  is  possible,  even  probable 
that  white  pigs  are  more  liable  to  sun 
scald  than  black  hogs. 

Sunstroke. 

I have  a young  sow  that  got  very  fat 
after  her  pigs  were  weaned.  During  the 
last  spell  of  hot  weather  she  seemed  to 
have  a touch  of  sunstroke.  I made  her  a 
movable  pen  and  put  it  where  she  could 
have  shade  all  day  and  fed  her  a thfn  slop 
of  oats.  She  seems  to  be  all  right  now  ex- 
cept that  she  is  unable  to  use  her  front 
legs  but  walks  around  on  her  knees.  She 
lies  down  most  of  the  time.  What  can  I 
do  for  her? 

Ans.:  These  cases  are  very  serious  and 
the  majority  never  regain  their  normal 
condition.  There  is  a softening  of  a small 
portion  of  the  brain  due  to  a congestive 
condition  of  the  blood  vessels  at  the  time 
of  her  acute  attack.  You  may  try  a half 
teaspoonful  of  iodide  of  potassium  in  her 
feed  twice  a day  for  a few  weeks  and  if 
you  do  not  get  good  results  you  may  as 
well  stop  the  treatment.  If  you  can  keep 
her  in  a cool  place  it  may  have  a bene- 
ficial effect  on  the  case.  Keep  the  bowels 
open  with  laxative  food. 

Throat  Trouble. 

I have  a boar  pig  about  five  months  old 
that  has  been  quite  fat  and  was  doing 
well  until  about  two  weeks  ago  when  I 
noticed  his  wind  getting  bad.  He 
breathes  quite  loud  and  has  a cough.  He 
has  a swelling  in  his  throat  and  is  get- 
ting thin.  It  seems  to  hurt  him  to  eat.  I 
have  been  feeding  corn.  Is  this  trouble 
contagious  and  what  will  help  him? 

Ans.:  If  he  is  not  a very  valuable  pig 
you  had  better  destroy  him.  It  is  the 
safer  way,  as  the  disease  may  prove  to  be 
contagious.  If  you  keep  the  pig  he 
should  be  removed  from  the  healthy  pigs 


SWINE  DISEASES. 


43 


at  once.  Bathe  the  throat  with  hot  water 
three  or  four  times  a day.  Mix  a tea- 
spoonful of  chloride  of  potassium  in  the 
water  he  drinks.  If  any  abscess  forms  it 
should  be  operated  upon  as  soon  as  it  is 
ready. 

Thumps. 

What  is  the  matter  with  my  six-weeks- 
old  pig's?  They  are  taken  with  coughing1 
by  spells  and  are  soon  unable  to  breathe, 
and  soon  die.  Is  it  thumps? 

Ans.:  Yes,  it  is  thumps.  Prevention  is 
cheaper  than  drugs  and  more  satisfactory. 
Thumps  seldom  occur  except  in  the 
winter  and  early  spring  months,  when 
sow  and  pigs  are  confined  to  pens.  As  a 
rule  the  sow  is  a great  milker.  Here, 
then,  some  judgment  is  needed,  as  long  as 
the  sow  and  the  pigs  are  not  able  to  take 
outdoor  exercise.  Feed  her  more  ju- 
diciously and  overcome  all  weakness  of 
the  heart.  As  soon  as  the  pigs  are  able 
to  follow  the  sow  outdoors,  turn  her  out 
each  sunny  day,  the  first  day  for  an  hour, 
the  next  day  longer,  until  they  are  ac- 
customed to  take  regular  exercise  for 
several  hours  each  day,  out  of  doors.  Thi3 
will  prevent  thumps. 

Thumps  In  Pigs. 

What  is  the  best  treatment  for  thumps 
in  pigs  and  is  there  any  successful  cure? 

Ans.:  After  pigs  once  get  the  thumps 
there  is  little  chance  of  recovery.  This 
trouble  comes  on  gradually.  One  may 
feed  his  pigs  in  the  morning  and  they 
may  appear  to  be  in  perfect  health.  At 
noon  he  may  find  that  one  or  more  lies 
still  in  their  bed  while  the  others  rush 
up  to  the  trough,  or  perhaps  they  will  get 
up  and.  take  a few  steps  in  that  direction 
only  to  turn  around  and  lie  down  again. 
When  the  trouble  has  advanced  this  far 
there  is  small  chance  of  recovery.  The 
best  way  to  treat  this  disease  is  to  pre- 
vent it,  which  can  only  be  done  by  forc- 
ing the  pigs  to  take  exercise  when  they 
are  very  young.  Pigs  that  are  confined  to 
the  narrow  limits  of  the  pen  become  slug- 
gish and  large  chunks  of  fat  form  around 
the  heart.  This  injures  its  functions,  and 
the  lungs  in  trying  to  repair  the  damage, 
cause  the  rapid  heaving  of  the  sides 
commonly  known  as  thumps.  The  pigs 
should  be  gotten  out  on  the  ground  as 
quickly  as  possible  where  they  can  have 
plenty  of  room  to  run  about  for  exercise. 
If  any  are  noticed  to  be  sluggish  or  in- 
different as  to  whether  they  leave  their 
bed  with  the  others,  force  them  out  and 
fasten  the  hog  house  door  to  prevent  them 
from  returning  to  their  bed.  Exercise,  good 
feeding  and  sunlight  are  the  only  remedies 
for  thumps. 

The  sows  should  have  very  little  corn 
during  the  period  of  nursing,  and  while 


the  pigs  are  making  their  growth  they 
should  be  given  food  containing  a large 
percentage  of  protein,  such  as  green  clo- 
ver, oats  or  milk  and  just  enough  corn  to 
keep  them  growing  nicely  without  getting 
too  fat.  Sunlight  is  also  necessary  for  the 
little  fellows’  development  and  if  they 
can’t  get  it  in  their  pens  they  should  be 
turned  out  and  the  door  fastened  for  a 
few  hours  every  day. 

Tuberculosis. 

If  hogs  are  confined  in  pens  or  yards 
where  tuberculous  hogs  have  died  some 
time  ago,  is  there  danger  of  their  con- 
tracting the  disease?  Are  hogs  running 
with  tuberculous  cattle  subject  to  the  dis- 
ease? 

Ans.:  Hogs  will  certainly  take  tuber- 
culosis if  the  disease  existed  in  the  former 
herd.  This  is  especially  true  if  no  rain 
fell  in  the  meanwhile.  Do  not  put  hogs 
in  pens  or  lots  where  any  disease  existed 
in  a former  herd  until  a winter  has  passed 
and  you  have  thoroughly  disinfected  their 
quarters.  Hogs  are  very  liable  to  contract 
tuberculosis  if  allowed  to  run  with  cattle 
that  are  badly  affected  with  the  disease. 

May  be  Tuberculosis. 

My  hogs  have  contracted  a cough  that 
will  not  leave  them.  It  seems  to  be  catch- 
ing as  many  of  the  young  pigs  have  it 
also. 

Ans.:  You  probably  have  tuberculosis 
among  your  hogs.  If  so  it  will  be  liable 
to  affect  the  whole  herd.  You  might  try 
five  drops  of  creosote  to  each  hog  three 
times  a day,  and  continue  the  same  for  two 
or  three  weeks.  If  you  see  no  good  results 
from  this  treatment  you  had  better  dispose 
of  the  hogs  at  once.  Fumigate  the  prem- 
ises and  disinfect  thoroughly  before  put- 
ting any  other  hogs  in  their  place. 

Tumors  on  Pigs. 

A week  or  two  after  I castrated  my 
boar  pigs  I noticed  that  bunches  formed 
on  the  cords  of  some  of  them.  What  is 
the  cause  and  what  treatment  should  I 
use? 

Ans.:  The  cause  is  generally  the  result 
of  infectioin  from  dirty  instruments  or 
hands  during  the  operation.  The  trouble 
may  also  be  caused  by  leaving  the  cords 
too  long,  thus  increasing  the  liability 
of  their  becoming  infected.  These  tumors 
have  been  known  to  grow  until  tney  were 
almost  the  size  of  a man’s  head.  In  treat- 
ing this  trouble  cut  down  on  the  tumors 
the  same  as  in  a case  of  castration.  Then 
separate  the  skin  from  the  tumor  and 
follow  the  cord  up  as  high  as  possible  with 
the  hand  and  cut  off.  The  wound  must  be 
thoroughly  disinfected.  Any  of  the  com- 
mon disinfectants  will  do,  but  if  there 
are  none  on  hand  a teaspoonful  of  car- 
bolic acid  in  a quart  of  water  should  be 
used  every  day  until  the  wound  is  healed. 


44 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


Great  care  should  be  taken  with  regard 
to  cleanliness  about  the  pens  after  the 
operation. 

Weak  Pigs. 

I have  been  feeding  some  two-months- 
old  pigs  on  bran,  s'horts  and  milk,  but 
they  are  weak  and  can  hardly  walk. 

Ans.:  Give  the  little  fellows  a physic — 
a tablespoonful  of  castor  oil  and  follow 
it  up  with  ten  drops  of  tincture  of  nux 
vomica  three  times  a day.  Change  the 
feed.  Stop  giving  shorts  and  milk  for  a 
few  days.  You  may  also  apply  a light 
mustard  blister  along  the  spine  over  the 
loins. 

Weak  Pigs. 

What  makes  my  pigs  get  weak  in  their 
limbs? 

Ans.:  Too  much  fattening  food,  such  as 
corn,  and  not  enough  of  that  feed  that  is 
rich  in  bone  and  muscle  material.  If 
they  are  not  confined  and  have  clover 
pasture  with  a feed  of  wheat  middlings 
every  day  you  will  not  meet  such  trouble. 

Worms  in  Hogs. 

What  causes  worms  in  hogs,  and  how 
can  I get  rid  of  them? 

Ans.:  There  are  several  kinds  of  worms 
which  infest  the  intestines  of  hogs  and 
pigs,  but  all  have,  in  general,  the  same  life 
history.  First  comes  the  egg,  then  one  or 
more  immature  stages,  and  finally,  tho 
mature  worm,  which,  in  turn,  furnishes 
another  crop  of  eggs.  Some  of  these 
parasites  pass  their  whole  life  in  other 
parts,  or  in  mud  and  stagnant  water. 
It  is  essential,  when  once  we  know 
of  the  existence  of  worms  in  our 
herds,  to  use  the  utmost  care  in  remov- 
ing all  excrement,  manure  and  filth,  about 
pens  and  yards,  and  disinfect  ;hem  with 
lime,  so  as  not  to  have  a recurrence  of 
the  same  trouble,  year  after  year.  If  salt 
and  ashes  are  kept  before  hogs,  and  they 
are  fed  on  healthy  food  that  has  not  un- 
dergone fermentation,  the  trouble  seldom 
occurs.  But,  if  hogs  are  wormy,  give 
them  a dose  of  Santonine,  from  three 
to  ten  grains,  depending  upon  the  size  of 
the  hog  or  pig.  Santonine  is  soluble  in 
boiling  water  or  alcohol.  Give  it  to  them 
in  a light  feed  when  the  bowels  are  as 
empty  as  possible,  twice  the  first  day 
and  repeat  on  successive  days.  When  the 
pig  is  getting  too  much  he  shows  it  by 
tumbling  movements,  and  if  the  dose  is 
too  large  there  are  actual  convulsions 
or  colic.  Follow  this  with  a purgative 
of  either  calomel  or  linseed  oil.  For  the 
common  worm,  which  is  the  size  of  a goose 
quill  and  four  or  five  inches  long,  boil 
down  a strong  decoction  of  tobacco,  and 
give  to  each  one  hundred  pound  hog  a 
tablespoonful  in  some  swill,  a few  days 
In  succession. 


Worms  In  Hogs. 

Some  of  my  pigs  are  coughing  and 
sneezing.  They  get  poor  and  finally  die. 
They  seem  to  be  wormy,  for  after  death 
the  worms  come  up  into  their  throat  and 
mouth.  I have  an  idea  that  the  worms 
w'ork  up  into  their  throats  and  choke  the 
pigs  to  death.  They  are  fed  corn,  with 
water  and  a little  milk  to  drink. 

Ans.:  You  did  not  state  the  size  or  the 
appearance  of  the  worms.  They  probably 
came  from  the  stomach,  though  not  \mtil 
after  death.  It  is  not  probable  that  they 
choked  the  hogs.  The  symptoms  given  are 
more  like  lung  fever  than  anything  else. 
Give  the  sound  ones  one-third  of  a tea- 
spoonful of  sulphate  of  copper  in  feed 
twice  a day  for  a week.  They  ’shou3d 
then  have  an  ounce  of  castor  oil  to  a 
hundred  pound  hog  at  the  end  of  the  above 
period.  Keep  the  sound  ones  in  a warm, 
dry,  well  ventilated  pen,  and  change  bed- 
ding very  often.  If  your  hogs  continue 
to  die,  you  had  better  have  the  state  send 
their  veterinary  inspector  at  once. 

Pigs  Have  Worms. 

What  shall  I give  my  pigs  to  prevent 
them  from  having  worms?  I killed  a ten- 
months-old  pig  and  found  four  white 
worms  in  the  small  intestines;  the  worms 
were  all  together;  they  were  about  ten  or 
eleven  inches  long  and  about  as  largo 
around  as  a slate  pencil. 

Ans.:  In  dealing  with  such  an  affection 
preventive  measures  are  better  than  those 
of  a remedial  nature.  A good  mixture 
to  give  them  is  made  up  as  follows:  Mix 
six  bushels  of  corn  cob  charcoal  that  has 
been  well  crushed,  or  three  bushels  of 
common  charcoal,  with  one  bushel  of  coal 
ashes,  eight  pounds  of  salt  and  two  quarts 
of  air-slaked  lime.  Dissolve  l-%  pounds 
of  copperas  in  hot  water.  Sprinkle  it 
over  the  mass  and  mix  thoroughly.  Put 
into  self-feeding  boxes  and  let  the  pigs 
partake  of  the  same  at  will. 

Probably  Stomach  Worms. 

My  May  and  June  pigs  have  been  cough- 
ing ever  since  I weaned  them.  I gave  them 
shorts  and  skim  milk  for  a while,  and 
now  I feed  them  a little  new  corn.  They 
always  ate  well  until  tonight.  One  of 
them  refuses  to  eat  now.  They  cough 
mostly  after  eating. 

Ans.:  The  cough  may  be  due  to  catch- 
ing cold,  but  it  is  more  probable  that  it 
is  from  stomach  derangement.  Stop  feed- 
ing the  shorts  entirely.  Green  stuff  is 
very  good,  but  they  should  be  allowed 
some  nourishing  diet  such  as  crushed 
corn  or  oats,  scalded  and  fed  in  conjunc- 
tion with  other  and  light  foods.  Keep 
warm  and  dry.  Medicines  are  of  no  avail 
in  these  cases  as  it  is  very  unsatisfactory 
to  be  doping  little  pigs. 

Worms. 

I bought  a little  pig  and  see  that  it  notr 
has  worms.  What  can  I do  for  it? 


BREEDS  COMPARED. 


45 


Ans.:  Give  the  little  pig  plenty  of  ashes, 
charcoal  and  good,  rich,  nutritious  food. 
In  a short  time  he  will  not  be  bothered 
with  worms. 

Worms. 

Please  tell  me  what  will  free  hogs  from 
worms? 

Ans.:  Give  the  hogs  a teaspoonful  each 
of  the  following  on  their  feed  twice  a 
day:  Sulphate  of  copper,  one  pound, 

powdered  fine,  hardwood  ashes,  five 
pounds.  Mix  thoroughly  and  give  as 
directed. 

Send  for  the  State  'Veterinarian. 

I purchased  a Poland-China  boar  last 
fall  that  was  not  related  to  my  hogs  m 
any  way.  He  seemed  to  be  a vigorous 
animal  and  perfectly  healthy.  After  I had 
used  him  for  several  of  my  sows  he  sud- 
denly became  very  sick.  He  was  all  right 
at  night  but  the  next  morning  he  refused 
to  eat  or  drink  and  his  breath  came  very 
hard  and  short.  He  died  two  or  threw 
days  later.  His  pigs  seemed  strong  and 
healthy  until  they  weighed  from  sixty  co 
100  pounds  w-hen  occasionally  one  will  be- 
gin to  thump  and  breathe  hard  and  short. 
They  do  not  seem  to  have  any  appetite 
but  continue  in  this  dumpy  state  for  two 
or  three  weeks  and  then  die.  I have  lost 
six  or  seven  in  this  way.  Did  they  inherit 
the  trouble  from  the  sire  and  is  there  any- 
thing I can  do  to  prevent  the  sickness? 
With  the  exception  of  the  sick  pigs  they 
all  seem  healthy.  I thought  the  trouble 
might  be  worms  and  gave  them  copperas 
but  that  doesn’t  prevent  the  disease.  The 
pigs  have  run  in  a good  pasture  and  have 
been  well  fed  on  corn,  shorts  and  swill.  I 
turned  them  into  a corn  field  where  I 
planted  rape.  What  is  the  trouble? 

Ans.:  You  had  better  call  in  a com- 
petent veterinarian  to  hold  a post-mortem 
examination  on  the  next  pig  that  dies  or 
notify  Dr.  Morton  S.  Whitcomb,  Secretary 
of  the  Live  Stock  Sanitary  Board,  St. 
Paul,  Minnesota.  It  looks  very  much  as  if 
the  hogs  were  affected  with  tuberculosis 


and  if  they  are  you  do  not  want  to  breed 
any  of  the  diseased  ones. 

Serious  Pig  Trouble. 

We  have  some  young  pigs  from  one  to 
four  weeks  old  that  are  troubled  with 
sores  on  inside  and  outside  of  jaws,  on  the 
nose  and  lower  joints  of  the  feet.  The 
sores  first  appear  in  the  lower  jaw  in  the 
shape  of  small  holes  which  contain  proud 
flesh.  These  holes  gradually  grow  larger 
until  at  last  they  get  about  as  large  as  a 
25  cent  piece.  The  proud  flesh  or  matter 
in  the  center  of  sores  hardens  up  leaving 
a little  space  open  at  the  outer  edges. 
The  sores  become  quite  deep. 

Ans.:  It  is  difficult  to  state  definitely 
the  trouble  with  your  little  pigs  or  what 
the  cause  may  have  been.  It  would  be 
well  to  secure  a qualified  veterinarian  to 
inspect  your  hogs.  In  the  meantime,  use 
some  good  disinfectant  freely  about  the 
pens  and  yards.  Have  the  chairman  of 
your  local  board  of  health  send  for  the 
state  veterinarian  to  look  at  your  pigs. 
This  will  be  done  upon  his  request  and 
without  expense  to  you. 

Consult  a Veterinarian. 

We  have  a lot  of  young  pigs  about  two 
weeks  old.  Their  teeth  rot  off  and  their 
mouth  all  matters.  Holes  rot  through  the 
mouth,  and  the  pigs  die. 

Ans.:  It  would  be  impossible  to  tell 
the  trouble  without  seeing  the  pigs.  By 
all  means  consult  a veterinary  surgeon 
and  have  him  make  a thorough  investiga- 
tion into  the  cause  of  the  disease. 

Contagious  Disease. 

My  pigs  get  sore  eyes  and  swell  up, 
especially  about  the  head  and  neck.  They 
breathe  hard  and  soon  die. 

Ans.:  Have  your  local  board  of  health 
send  for  the  state  or  district  veterinarian 
at  ’•once.  No  doubt  you  have  a serious 
contagious  disease  in  your  neighborhood, 
and  should  take  measures  to  stamp  it  out 
immediately. 


Breeds  Compared. 


The  Berkshire. 

I have  heard  a great  deal  about  Berk- 
shire hogs  but  know  little  about  their 
history,  their  possibilities  or  general 
characteristics.  Please  tell  me  all  you  can 
about  these  hogs,  as  from  what  I can  find 
out  they  come  nearer  to  being  what  I 
want  than  any  of  the  other  breeds. 

Ans.:  As  the  name  indicates,  this  breed 
of  swine  originally  came  from  the  county 
or  shire  of  Berks,  England.  The  original 
Berkshire,  unlike  those  of  today,  were 
large,  rawboned,  coarse  hogs,  with  droop- 
ing ears;  in  color  they  were  black  and 
white,  and  even  occasional  red  or  sandy 
spots  would  crop  out. 

The  improvement  of  this  breed  began 


about  1780  when  they  were  crossed  with 
the  Chinese  hog;  but  not  until  about  1820 
were  they  brought  to  any  degree  of  per- 
fection. It  is  stated  by  some  that  the 
Neapolitan  hog  was  the  main  source  of 
Berkshire  improvement.  This,  however, 
is  firmly  denied  by  others,  and  there  is 
little  authority  for  the  statement  that 
the  Neapolitan  was  used  at  all  in  this 
connection. 

One  of  the  first  Importations  to  the 
United  States  was  made  by  John  Brentnall, 
of  New)  Jersey,  about  1823.  Some  years 
later  an  English  farmer  living  near  Al- 
bany, N.  Y.,  brought  over  a few  head.  Since 
that  time  great  numbers  have  been  im- 


46 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWJNE. 


ported,  and  the  improvement  made  by 
the  American  breeders  has  been  so  marked 
as  to  cause  competent  judges  to  decide  In 
favor  of  the  American  bred  hogs.  In  "The 
Book  of  the  Pig,"  Professor  James  Long, 
speaking  of  the  breed  for  exhibition,  says, 
"In  America  the  Berkshire  pig  is  much 
more  extensively  bred  than  with  us,  and 
there  is  in  that  country  not  only  a very 
large  number  of  breeders  of  pigs  of  an 
exhibition  type  but  there  is  a Berkshire 
Pig  Association,  which  is  supported  by  a 
large  number  of  members,  although  Eng- 
lish breeders  to  whom  the  Americans 
originally  came  for  the  foundations  of 
their  herds  have  hitherto  lacked  sufficient 
spirit  and  energy  to  carry  anything  of  the 
kind  to  a successful  issue.”  Although  the 
Berkshire  is  an  English  breed  of  swine, 
the  standard  of  American  breeders  is 
usually  accepted  in  preference  to  that  of 
the  English.  Among  all  swine,  the  Berk- 
shire has  continued  to  hold  its  place  in 
high  esteem,  and  is  today,  a’s  has  been  the 
case  for  many  years,  the  standard  for  com- 
parison for  other  breeds. 

In  characteristics,  the  Berkshire  is  pos- 
sessed of  muscular  power  and  heavy  bone, 
and  is  more  of  a bacon  than  a lard 
hog.  If  desired  they  may  be  fattened 
for  market  at  any  age  and  when  continu- 
ously and  properly  fed,  attain  great  size 
and  weight.  The  average  live  weight  of 
the  well  kept  Berkshire  shoats  placed  on 
the  market  at  nine  to  twelve  months  old 
should  be  250  to  300  pounds.  When  ma- 
ture, they  should  weigh  from  500  to  6D0 
pounds.  These  weights  are  not  at  all  un- 
common. When  used  in  crossing  or  grad- 
ing up  common  stock,  Berkshire  boars 
transmit  all  the  valuable  qualities  of 
their  breed  with  considerable  certainty. 

Poland-Chinas. 

We  have  several  registered  Poland-Chi- 
na  hogs.  Some  of  them  have  red  hair  on 
the  ends  of  their  ears,  also  on  their  backs. 
Is  this  a sign  that  they  have  any  Red  Jer- 
sey blood  in  them? 

Ans.:  It  is  impossible  to  say  definitely 
whether  your  Poland -China  hogs  are  mix- 
ed with  Duroc-Jersey  blood.  The  color 
accepted  by  Poland-China  breeders  is 
white  and  black,  but  as  recently  as  1816 
the  "Big  Chinas1,”  as  they  were  then 
called,  were  large  white  hogs  with  sandy 
spots,  so  that  in  accordance  with  the  law 
of  atavism  your  hogs  may  be  pure-bred 
and  yet  have  a few  red  or  sandy  bristles 
on  them.  At  the  same  time,  however,  it 
looks  as  though  there  was  an  admixture 
of  either  Duroc-Jersey  or  Tamworth  in 
your  hogs,  somewhere  a few  generations 
back. 

Polnnd-Cbinns  vs.  Dnroo-Jersoys. 

Which  kind  of  hogs  is  the  best  to  breed, 
the  Duroc-Jerseys  or  the  Poland-Chinas? 


Ans.:  There  Is  probably  but  little  dif- 
ference now  between  the  two  breeds.  They 
are  becoming  so  nearly  alike  In  form  that 
If  the  Poland-Chinas  were  red  thejr  would 
pass  for  Duroc-Jerseys.  There  is  probably 
no  material  difference  between  the  feed- 
ing properties  of  these  pigs.  Years  ago 
the  Durocs  were  longer  in  limb  and  better 
rustlers  than  the  Poland-Chinas,  while 
the  latter  fed  more  easily.  But  it  would 
not  be  safe  to  say  that  the  same  difference 
exists  now. 

Duroc-Jersey  Swine. 

I am  an  Eastern  man  and  intend  *o 
move  to  Iowa  next  spring.  I would  like 
to  know  if  the  Duroc-Jerseys  are  popular 
in  that  section  of  the  country.  Are  they 
vigorous  and  rangy  and  do  they  produce 
as  strong,  healthy  litters  as  in  former 
years? 

Ans.:  The  Duroc-Jersey  of  today  is  an 
animal  that  stands  high  in  favor  with 
many  western  growers.  When  first  brought 
west  into  the  corn  belt,  Duroc-Jerseys 
commended  themselves  to  swine  growers 
largely  because  of  their  good  rustling 
qualities.  In  those  days  much  of  the  corn 
was  harvested  by  the  swine  where  it  grew 
Duroc-Jerseys  are  active  and  vigorous, 
and  give  a good  account  of  themselves 
while  thus  harvesting  the  corn.  The  act- 
ive powers  which  made  them  good  rust- 
lers also  had  a favorable  influence  on  the 
breeding  qualities;  hence  they  were  pro- 
lific also.  Gradually,  however,  modifica- 
tions have  been  going  on.  The  leg  and 
body  have  grown  shorter  and  at  the  same 
time  more  massive.  This  change  of  form 
has  brought  with  it  a more  sluggish  dis- 
position which  the  breeders  will  do  well 
to  cultivate.  It  is  possible  to  make  the 
legs  so  short  and  the  body  so  dumpy  and 
compact  as  to  interfere  seriously  with 
the  breeding  qualities  and  also  hurt  their 
reputation.  While  it  is  not  desirable  to 
change  the  breed  so  as  to  revert  to  the 
rangy  type,  they  ought  to  have  enough 
length  of  body  and  limb  to  keep  them 
active  and  enable  them  to  rear  healthy  and 
strong  litters. 

Duroo-JCTseys. 

Is  the  Duroc-Jersey  a profitable  breed 
of  hog? 

Ans.:  The  Duroc-Jersey  is  the  same  as 
the  Jersey  Red  and  is  both  popular  and 
profitable.  This  breed  is  noted  for  pro- 
ducing large  litters  and  they  are  good 
rustlers. 

Duroc-Jerseys. 

Is  there  any  difference  between  Duroc- 
Jerseys  and  Jersey  Reds,  and  if  so  which 
are  better  and  why? 

Ans.:  There  is  no  difference  between  the 
Duroc-Jerseys  and  Jersey  Reds.  Both 
names  are  applied  Indiscriminately  to  this 
breed. 


BREEDS  COMPARED. 


47 


Dnroc-Jerseys  vs.  Chester  Whites. 

Is  the  Duroc-Jersey  an  all  around  bet- 
ter pig  for  the  farmer  than  the  Chester 
White?  If  so,  why? 

Ans.:  It  would  scarcely  be  correct  to  say 
that  one  of  these  breeds  has  any  marked 
superiority  over  the  other,  so  far  as  econ- 
omy in  production  is  concerned.  Which' 
of  these  a farmer  should  grow  should  be 
determined  by  his  tastes  and  also  by  the 
market  which  he  will  try  to  meet.  Both 
are  excellent  breeds  when  rightly  chosen 
and  grown;  but  the  Chester  White  is  a 
larger  breed  than  the  Duroc-Jersey, 
whereas  the  latter,  being  smaller,  is  prob- 
ably rather  the  more  active  of  the  two. 
In  prolificacy  it  would  scarcely  be  safe 
to  say  that  one  breed  has  an  advantage 
over  the  other. 

O.  I.  C.  Swine. 

I would  like  to  know  what  the  O.  I.  C. 
swine  are. 

Ans.:  The  O.  I.  C.  swine  are  the  Ohio 
Improved  Chester  swine.  They  are  a 
somewhat  carefully  bred  variety  of  the 
Chester  White  breed.  Whether  they  are 
superior  to  the  Chester  White,  is,  of 
course,  a matter  of  opinion. 

Improved  Chester  Whites. 

I would  like  a description  of  the  im- 
proved Chester  White  swine.  Are  they  a 
large  or  small  breed,  fine  or  coarse?  What 
is  the  difference  between  them  and  the 
Improved  Yorkshires? 

Ans.:  Improved  Chester  White  swine  are 
a large  breed  of  white  hogs,  as  the  name 
indicates.  As  now  bred  they  are  fairly 
refined  and  are  stronger  in  limb  and  bone 
than  the  average  Poland-China.  Com- 
pared with  large  Yorkshires,  they  are 
broader  in  the  back  and,  in  fact,  broader 
everywhere,  but  have  not  so  much  depth 
of  side  in  proportion  to  the  width.  They 
incline  to  the  fat  hog  when  finished, 
while  the  Improved  Yorkshire  inclines  to 
the  bacon  type.  Both  classes  are  reason- 
ably prolific,  but  in  this  the  advantage 
lies  with  the  Yorkshires. 

O.  I.  C.  and  Chester  White  §winc. 

What  is  the  difference  between  the  O. 
I.  C.  and  the  hog  commonly  called  Ches- 
ter-White? Is  the  former  a better  hog, 
and  if  so,  in  what  respects?  2.  Is  it  true 
that  the  O.  I.  C.’s  and  Chester  Whites  do 
not  mature  as  early  as  Poland-Chinas, 
and  that  they  are  harder  to  fatten?  My 
own  experience  would  lead  me  to  believe 
that  while  Chester  Whites  may  not  al- 
ways look  as  smooth  as  Poland-Chinas, 
they  make  more  growth  and  more  pounds 
of  live  weight  for  what  they  consume. 
Am  I right? 

Ans.:  The  difference  between  the  Ches- 
ter White  swine  and  the  O.  I.  C.  swine 
is,  that  the  latter  is  an  improvement  on 
the  former.  That  is,  they  are  a little 


more  refined,  ■will  breed  better  and  are 
truer  to  type.  2.  There  is  a little  truth  in 
the  idea  that  Chester  White  swine  do  not 
mature  quite  as  quickly  as  Poland-Chinas. 
but  much  depends  upon  the  way  in  which 
they  have  been  bred  during  recent  genera- 
tions. On  the  whole,  the  Poland-Chinas. 
probably  mature  a little  earlier,  and  the 
Chester  Whites  grow  better  for  a period 
somewhat  longer.  On  the  average, 
Poland-Chinas  will  make  more  growth 
than  Chester  Whites  up  to  a limited  age, 
but  the  reverse  will  be  true  when  that 
age,  say  four  or  five  months,  is  past. 

The  Essex. 

Please  tell  me  something  about  the  Es- 
sex hog.  I want  to  know  something 
about  their  history  and  how  they  compare 
with  the  Durocs,  Poland-Chinas  and 
Berkshires.  Would  this  breed  be  profit- 
able in  North  Dakota  and  Northern  Min- 
nesota? 

Ans.:  This  breed  takes  its  name  from 
the  county  or  shire  of  Essex,  England, 
where  it  originated.  It  is  valued  more 
for  its  quiet  disposition,  rapid  growth 
when  young  and  early  maturity  than  for 
its  size  or  ability  to  produce  a large 
amount  of  meat.  The  old  Essex  hogs  were 
large,  gaunt  and  “slab  sided”  with  no  par- 
ticular color.  This  breed  has  become  well 
known  in  America  particularly  in  the 
south  where  they  are  being  pushed  with 
great  vigor.  Wherever  there  is  a local 
demand  for  well  matured  hogs  of  small 
or  medium  size,  or  for  pigs  of  which  one 
or  two  are  to  be  kept  in  a small  pen 
and  fed  principally  on  slops  from  the 
house  and  the  refuse  from  the  garden, 
the  Essex  is  a valuable  animal.  The  mod- 
ern American  bred  Essex  is  a medium 
sized  hog  weighing,  when  mature,  some- 
thing like  250  to  400  pounds.  They  have 
fine  heads,  firm  boned  legs,  close  “chunk- 
ed” bodies  and  are  good  rangers.  They 
fatten  easily  and  are  seldom  troubled 
with  mange  or  sun  scald.  It  is  a question 
as  to  whether  the  Essex  can  ever  com- 
pare favorably  with  the  Duroc-Jersey,  Po- 
land-China or  Berkshire  in  the  western 
states,  as  long  as  corn  remains  the  cheap- 
est, or  at  least  the  principal  swine  food. 
In  the  South  where  cotton  is  still  king, 
the  Essex  has  no  equal.  The  tendency 
on  the  part  of  this  breed  to  fatten  easily 
has  been  raised  as  an  objection  against 
it,  but  it  would  be  hard  to  find,  the  breed- 
er who  desires  the  acquaintance  of  a large 
number  of  lean  hogs.  He  is  generally 
looking  for  animals  that  fatten  quickly, 
giving  the  greatest  possible  returns  on 
the  investment.  The  Essex  swine  have 
a great  future.  They  would  be  found 
profitable  in  North  Dakota  and  Northern 
Minnesota  and  Wisconsin  where  corn  as 
yet  does  not  comprise  most  of  the  swine 


48 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


ration.  There  are  some  excellent  types  of 
this  breed  to  be  found  in  Minnesota. 

Victoria  Swine. 

Do  Victoria  swine  raise  large  litters  and 
are  they  hard  breeders?  Are  they  getting 
to  bo  heavy-weights?  Do  the  sows  take 
good  care  of  their  litters? 

Ans.:  There  are  a few  Victoria  breeders 
in  the  northwest,  although  it  is  hard 
to  explain  why  these  hogs  are  not  as  popu- 
lar as  in  some  sections  of  the  east  and 
southeast.  These  animals  are  white  in 
color  and  range  from  medium  to  large, 
weighing  when  twelve  months  old  from 
300  to  400  pounds.  Victoria  breeders 
claim  them  to  be  an  economical  breed  for 
pork  production.  The  sows  generally  pro- 
duce large  litters  and  are  good  mothers. 
It  is  claimed  for  them  that  they  are  not 
susceptible  to  mange,  scruff,  sun  scald  or 
other  similar  troubles  which  have  made 
hog  breeders  fight  shy  of  white  hogs  in 
general. 

Small  Yorkshires. 

I have  just  ordered  two  small  York- 
shires. How  are  they  as  porkers?  Did  I 
make  as  good  a purchase  for  fat  produc- 
ing and  for  market  as  if  I had  chosen  the 
large  Yorkshires?  Also  for  quick  ma- 
turity? 

Ans.:  For  quick  maturity  and  for  pro- 
ducing fat  pigs  for  market  that  may  be 
sold  from  5 to  6 months,  there  is  probably 
no  breed  superior  to  the  small  Yorkshires. 
The  large  Yorkshires  are  a bacon  breed 
and  should  be  kept  7 or  8 months  before 
being  slaughtered. 

Large  Yorkshires, 

Please  tell  me  something  about  the 
characteristics  of  the  large  Yorkshires 
and  whether  they  are  popular  for  crossing 
on  Poland-Chinas  and  Berkshires.  How 
are  they  for  producing  bacon?  Are  they 
good  feeders? 

Ans.:  With  regard  to  the  most  important 
characteristics  of  the  large  Yorkshires, 
these  hogs  should  always  be  white  all 
over  the  body,  although  bluish  or  black- 
ish spots  which  occasionally  appear  on 
the  skin  do  not  necessarily  disqualify 
them  for  registration.  The  head  is  of 
medium  length  with  but  little  upward 
curve.  Broad,  strong  under  jaws  and 
short  heads  are  prominent  features.  The 
ears  droop  forward  and  should  be  of 
medium  size,  heavy  but  never  loppy.  The 
back  is  broad  like  that  of  a Poland-China 
and  should  be  both  lengthy  and  deep.  The 
hams  of  the  large  Yorkshire  are  never  ex- 
tremely fat  or  heavy  but  should  be  of 
good  thickness  and  size.  Sows  of  this 
breed  have  been  known  to  weigh  1203 
pounds  while  they  frequently  reach  1000 
pounds.  Many  breeders  claim  that  large 
Yorkshire  boars  crossed  with  either  Berk- 
shire or  Poland-China  sows  will  pro- 
duce excellent  feeders,  the  combination 


giving  pigs  that  grow  rapidly,  feed  well 
and  make  a fine  smooth  finish  with  an 
excellent  quality  of  meat.  As  a bacon 
producer  the  Yorkshire  is  noted.  The 
celebrated  Danish  and  Irish  bacon  is  pro- 
duced very  largely  from  this  breed.  Some 
objection  is  raised  by  feeders  of  other 
breeds  that  the  large  Yorkshires  do  not 
eat  the  ordinary  foods  that  are  relished  by 
Poland-Chinas  or  Chester  Whites,  but  ex- 
periments along  this  line  prove  the  York- 
shire to  be  an  excellent  feeder,  produc- 
ing prime  bacon  and  lots  of  it. 

About  Breeds. 

Is  there  any  difference  in  the  breeds  of 
Jersey  Red,  Tamworth  and  Duroc  hogs,  or 
are  they  all  one  breed? 

Ans.:  The  Tamworth  and  Jersey  Red 
breeds  of  swine  are  essentially  different 
breeds.  The  Tamworths  are  an  English 
breed  of  the  most  pronounced  bacon  type. 
They  are  long  in  body,  nose  and  neck 
and  are  inclined  to  length  of  limb.  The 
Jersey  Reds  or  Duroc-Jerseys  are  an 
American  breed,  and  except  the  color  are 
much  like  the  Poland-Chinas.  They  are 
thought  by  some  to  be  a little  stronger 
i*  the  limb  than  the  Poland-Chinas.  The 
only  resemblance  between  the  Tamworth 
and  Duroc-Jerseys  is  the  color. 

Breeds  of  Swine  • Compared. 

Are  Berkshires  and  Duroc-Jerseys  as 
easy  keepers  as  the  Poland-Chinas.  an 3 
which  of  the  three  breeds  can  be  put  on 
the  market  the  quickest? 

Ans.:  It  would  not  be  safe  to  claim 
that  anj’-  one  of  the  three  breeds  of  pigs 
named  has  any  advantage  over  the  others 
in  easy  keeping  qualities  or  in  early  ma- 
turity. Experiments  that  have  been  con- 
ducted with  reference  to  this  question 
have  shown  that  there  is  more  difference 
in  the  individuality  of  the  animals  them- 
selves than  in  the  breeds. 

Breeds  Compared. 

Are  Duroc-JCrueys  as  good  hogs  to 
raise  as  Poland-Chinas  or  Chester 
Whites?  Are  they  prolific  and  are  they 
good  mothers? 

Ans.:  Duroc-Jerseys  are  giving  excel- 
lent satisfaction.  They,  as  a breed,  do 
not  mature  as  early  as  the  Poland-Chinas, 
but  are  usually  considered  as  good  moth- 
ers and  more  prolific.  As  to  size  of  lit- 
ters and  time  of  maturing  they  are  about 
on  a par  with  Chester  Whites.  By  similar 
methods  of  feeding  and  breeding  the 
three  above  mentioned  breeds  are  coming 
nearer  together  in  general  characteristics. 

Are  Poland-Clilnns  Prolific? 

In  an  exchange  I notice  a complaint  of 
a Poland-China  breeder  to  the  effect  that 
his  sows  are  lacking  in  prolificacy,  hav- 
ing produced  only  four  pigs  to  the  litter. 
What  is  the  cause? 


BREEDS  COMPARED. 


49 


Ans.:  When  such  results  take  place  the 
management  is  in  some  way  at  fault.  By 
proper  selection  and  feeding  Poland- 
Chinas  will  produce  freely  enough.  In 
making  selection,  sows  should  be  chosen 
from  large  litters.  This  plan  should  also 
be  followed  in  choosing  males,  although 
with  sows  such  selection  is  of  the  first  im- 
portance. Other  precautions  are  necessary 
but  the  course  of  action  recommended 
will  in  itself  go  a long  way  toward  in- 
creasing the  prolificacy  of  the  dams. 

Finishing  Age. 

At  what  age  is  it  best  to  finish  the  Po- 
land-China  for  market? 

Ans.:  In  growing  Poland-Chinas  for 
market,  have  them  ready  to  go  at  about 
six  or  seven  months  old,  weighing  from 
200  to  225  pounds.  When  raising  a large 
number  of  hogs  for  pork,  it  might  pay 
you  to  raise  two  crops  a year. 

Best  Breed  of  Hogs. 

Which  is  the  best  kind  of  pure-bred 
pigs  to  buy?  Is  the  Small  Yorkshire  a 
good  kind?  Can  as  much  money  be  made 
with  them  as  with  the  Poland-Chinas  or 
Large  Yorkshires?  There  don’t  seem  to  be 
many  farmers  raising  the  Small  York- 
shires. What  is  the  reason?  Don’t  they 
grow  as  fast  as  other  breeds?  Is  the 
Chester  White  the  largest  breed  there  is? 

Ans.:  The  best  breed  of  swine  will  al- 
ways be  a matter  of  opinion.  It  is  affect- 
ed considerably  by  the  local  conditions 
of  the  market.  Small  Yorkshires  are 
suitable  pigs  for  any  one  haying  a mar- 
ket for  young  animals  that  will  grow 
quickly  and  can  be  turned  off  at  any  age 
under  six  months.  The  Large  Yorkshires 
do  better  to  be  kept  until  seven  or  eight 
months  old.  They  are  bacon  hogs  and 
wherever  there  is  a market  for  the  bacon 
hog  it  will  be  profitable  to  raise  them. 
They  produce  large  litters  and  are  vigor- 
ous and  healthy.  The  Poland-Chinas  are 
also  a good  breed,  one  of  the  best  where 
they  have  not  been  allowed  to  become  too 
small  in  bone  or  too  short  in  body  and 
where  their  breeding  qualities  have  been 
kept  up  in  good  shape.  The  Berkshires 
are  becoming  more  popular  all  the  time. 
It  would  not  be  correct  to  say  that  any 
one  breed  will  positively  prove  most  prof- 
itable under  all  conditions.  The  Chester 
Whites  are  about  the  largest  of  the  breeds 
but  in  some  instances  the  Large  York- 
shires are  larger. 

Best  Hog  for  Market. 

Which  is  the  most  profitable  for  the 
farmer  to  feed  for  market,  the  full-blood 
or  the  cross-bred  hog? 

Ans.:  Do  not  pay  an  extravagant  price 
for  a full  blood  sow  where  the  object  is  to 
raise  pigs  for  pork.  However,  if  you  can 
buy  at  about  pork  prices  full-bloods  that 
have  not  been  bred  too  fine  or  overfed  on 


fattening  foods,  and  that  have  not  been 
overconfined,  it  would  pay  to  get  them. 
Buy  a pure-bred  boar  no  matter  what  your 
females  may  be. 

The  Best  Hog. 

What  is  the  best  hog  to  grow? 

Ans.:  The  best  hog  for  the  farmer  to 
grow  is  the  breed  that  he  is  in  love  with, 
as  that  is  the  pig  he  will  give  the 
best  care  and  will  make  him  the  most 
money.  There  is  no  “best  hog.”  The  best 
hogs  are  those  that  get  the  best  attention. 

Selecting  a Breed. 

I am  going  into  the  hog  business.  Du- 
rocs  seem  to  be  in  favor  here  but  I prefer 
the  Berkshire.  Shall  I cater  to  the  trade 
or  raise  what  I prefer  myself? 

Ans.:  The  man  who  is  raising  hogs  to 
be  sold  for  breeders  cannot  be  too  careful 
to  grow  only  such  animals  as  come  near- 
est his  ideal  type  and  breed.  Don’t  try 
to  raise  something  you  do  not  like  your- 
self. 

Color  In  the  Swine. 

I have  a pure-bred  Poland-China  boar 
and  I wish  to  know  if  he  is  bred  to  some 
scrub  sows  mostly-  white,  if  the  pigs  will 
be  of  the  color  of  the  sire  or  marked  like 
the  sows? 

Ans.:  If  the  sows  are  of  mixed  breeding, 
which  in  all  probability  they  are,  the  pre- 
ponderance of  color  in  the  young  pigs  will 
be  black;  but  in  all  probability  they  will 
be  spotted. 

The  Pork  Breeds. 

Can  any  particular  breed  be  recom- 
mended as  being  profitable? 

Ans.:  No,  but  for  anybody  raising  hogs 
for  pork  he  shouldn’t  go  outside  of  the 
Poland-China,  Jersey-Reds,  Berkshire  or 
Chester  Whites;  those  are  the  best  four 
pork  breeds. 

Bacon  vs.  Pork  Hogs. 

Which  of  the  two  classes  brings  tho 
best  price  on  the  market,  bacon  or  pork 
hogs? 

Ans.:  According  to  reports,  the  bacon 
hog  appears  to  be  selling  for  the  most 
money,  that  is,  the  Irish  and  Danish  bacon. 

Lard  or  Bacon  Type. 

Is  the  Duroc-Jersey  considered  a lard 
or  bacon  hog? 

Ans.:  Duroc- Jerseys  are  classed  as  a 
lard  type,  although  environment  has  a 
great  deal  to  do  with  it.  In  the  corn 
states  the  Duroc-Jersey  is  pronouncedly 
of  the  lard  order  but  if  taken  up  into  the 
wheat  belt  of  northern  Minnesota  or  the 
Dakotas  and  fed  largely  on  rye  and  barley, 
it  is  likely  in  time  to  incline  somewhat 
toward  the  bacon  type. 

Crossing  Swine. 

Of  the  two  breeds  of  swine,  Large  Im** 


50 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


proved  Yorkshires  and  Tamworths,  which 
is  the  best  to  cross  with  Berkshires?  In 
mating  for  a cross,  which  sex  should  the 
Berkshire  be?  In  what  respect  have  the 
Yorkshires  and  Tamworths  been  im- 
proved, and  which  of  these  two  breeds  at- 
tains greatest  weight  at  six  months  of 
age,  and  also  at  maturity?  Which  is  the 
easier  keeper? 

Ans. : There  is  very  little  real  choice  be- 
tween the  Yorkshire  cross  upon  the  Berk- 
shire and  the  Tamworth  cross  upon  the 
same.  The  progeny  from  the  Yorkshire 
would  be  white  and  from  the  Tamworth 
•cross  red  and  black  intermixed.  Breeders 
generally  prefer  using  Berkshire  females 
for  the  reason  that  they  are  far  more  num- 
erous than  the  females  of  either  of  the 
other  two  breeds,  at  least  in  this  country. 
The  Yorkshires  and  Tamworths  have  been 
improved  by  more  than  a century  of  care- 
ful breeding.  The  Tamworths  are  pro- 
bably the  largest  breed  of  swine  in  Ameri- 
ca at  this  time.  There  is  but  little  differ- 
ence, if  any,  in  the  average  weight  of  the 
pigs  at  6 months  of  age.  At  maturity, 


possibly  the  Yorkshire  is  the  larger,  but 
this  also  may  be  disputed.  There  is  prac- 
tically no  difference  in  their  keeping 
qualities. 

Effects  of  Crossing. 

Will  crossing  two  breeds  have  much  to 
do  with  producing  uneven  litters?  2.  In 
raising  hogs  to  fatten  for  market,  would 
it  be  best  to  breed  in  line  or  cross?  3. 
How  would  a Poland-China  on  Chester 
White  be  for  a cross  for  this  purpose? 

Ans.:  Whether  cross-breeding  produces 
uneven  litters  or  not,  depends  upon  the  af- 
finity or  lack  of  affinity,  in  the  breeds 
crossed.  They  cannot  be  determined  until 
the  experiment  has  been  made.  2.  In  rais- 
ing hogs  to  fatten  for  market  a judicious 
cross  generally  brings  more  rugged  ani- 
mals and  somewhat  more  growth  than 
breeding  in  line,  but  an  injudicious  cross 
will  have  the  opposite  effect.  3.  Poland- 
Chinas  on  Chester  Whites  usually  give 
satisfaction.  The  same  is  true  of  the  op- 
posite mode  of  crossing. 


Miscellaneous. 


Castrating  Boar  Pigs. 

I have  six  sows  that  farrowed  last 
week.  Two-thirds  of  the  pigs  are  boars. 
Shall  I castrate  them,  and  if  so  when  is 
the  best  time  to  do  it? 

Ans.:  Castrate  all  boar  pigs  not  needed 

for  breeding.  This  can  be  done  any  time 
after  the  pigs  are  a month  old,  and  if  done 
at  from  four  to  six  weeks  they  will  have 
fully  recovered  before  they  are  weaned. 
If  not  done  then  it  is  better  to  wait  until 
a month  after  weaning,  so  that  they  will 
have  become  thoroughly  accustomed  to 
eating  solid  food. 

Castrating  Pigs. 

Is  it  dangerous  to  castrate  pigs  in  cold 
weather? 

Ans.:  If  the  pigs  have  good,  warm,  clean 
sleeping  quarters,  they  can  be  castrated  in 
cold  weather,  but  fall  or  spring  weather  is 
^referable. 

Castrating  November  Pigs. 

When  should  I castrate  November  pigs? 

Ans.:  While  they  are  yet  nursing  the 
dam.  As  soon  as  you  can  distinctly  get 
hold  of  the  testicles.  The  earlier  the  bet- 
ter. 

Castrating  Old  Boars. 

I have  a fine  boar  but  he  is  too  old  for 
service  and  I have  been  unable  to  find  a 
purchaser.  Will  it  be  safe  to  castrate  him 
and  what  is  the  best  method  of  conduct- 
ing such  an  operation? 

Ans.:  Draw  up  one  hind  leg  and  fasten 
It  securely  to  a post.  Fasten  another  rope 
around  the  upper  jaw,  back  of  the  tusks, 


draw  it  tightly  and  fasten  it  to  another 
post.  An  animal  in  this  position  can  offer 
very  little  resistance.  In  castrating,  the 
cuts  should  be  low  down  and  no  longer  than 
necessary.  The  cut  should  extend  low 
enough,  however,  so  that  there  will  be  no 
pocket  left  in  the  sack  to  hold  pus  which 
forms  during  the  healing  process.  An  op- 
eration of  this  sort  should  not  be  con- 
ducted on  boars  that  are  very  fat  or  dur- 
ing the  hot  weather  as  the  risk  is  then 
much  greater.  If  they  are  castrated  early 
in  spring  and  kept  on  grass  through  the 
summer,  they  will  fatten  up  readily  and  in 
the  fall  their  flesh  will  be  very  little  more 
rank  than  that  of  other  hogs.  Emasculat- 
ed boars  are  apt  to  be  cross  and  quarrel- 
some if  kept  with  other  hogs  and  on  ac- 
count of  their  tusks  to  do  great  damage. 
It  is  therefore  advisable  to  fatten  stag 
hogs  by  themselves. 

Trouble  With  Pigs  After  Castrating. 

Last  spring  we  had  some  pigs  castrated. 
A long  opening  vas  made  and  the  cords 
well  drawn.  ^The  pigs  did  well  at  first,  but 
later  a large  growth  formed  and  now  it 
seems  hard.  Some  break  open  but  do  not 
suppurate.  The  season  has  been  very  wet 
and  muddy. 

Ans.:  It  Is  probable  that  your  hogs  are 
suffering  from  scirrhus  cord.  It  is  hard  to 
understand  how  you  could  have  any  other 
trouble  with  the  pigs  if  you  did  the  opera- 
tion neatly  and  were  careful  to  have  your 
hands  and  knife  clean.  It  will  not  pay 
you  to  go  to  much  expense  with  the  ani- 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


61 


mals.  Fatten  them  for  the  butcher  and 
get  them  off  as  quickly  as  possible. 

Trouble  After  Castration. 

What  is  the  matter  with  one  of  my 
hogs?  About  five  months  after  he  was 
altered  a large  swelling  or  boil  gathered 
at  that  place.  It  grew  to  be  as  large  as 
a three-quart  pail,  and  then  broke.  In  a 
few  weeks  it  gathered  again  and  broke 
and  has  done  the  same  several  times. 
Each  time  it  was  larger  than  before.  It 
does  not  seem  to  affect  his  health.  He 
eats  and  grows  well.  Is  there  any  cure? 

Ans.:  The  only  relief  for  your  hog  is  to 
have  an  operation  performed  and  remove 
the  cause.  The  operation  should  be  per- 
formed before  the  weather  gets  too  warm. 
Operations  of  this  sort  are  so  rarely  suc- 
cessful, however,  that  it  will  probably  pay 
you  to  fatten  the  animal  and  sell  it  to 
your  butcher  as  quickly  as  possible. 

Trouble  With  Castrated  Pigs. 

My  renter  has  suffered  this  year  from 
the  male  pigs  not  healing  well  after  cas- 
tration. They  swell  up  behind  as  though 
ruptured.  Four  or  five  out  of  twenty  are 
troubled  this  way.  The  same  man  per- 
formed the  operation  last  year  but  had  no 
trouble. 

Ans.:  The  trouble  is  usually  due  to  scir- 
rhus  cord,  from  not  being  careful  in  the 
operation,  leaving  too  long  a cord  or  not 
being  clean  with  hands  or  instruments. 
They  are  not  ruptured  or  you  would  have 
seen  evidence  of  it  at  the  time  of  opera- 
tion. Do  not  allow  the  pigs  to  crowd  each 
other  through  doorways  in  going  to  the 
trough,  or  to  pile  up  too  much  at  night. 

Quarrelsome  Hogs. 

I have  been  very  much  troubled,  every 
time  I have  a lot  of  hogs  to  be  fed,  with 
their  quarreling,  and  often  find  it  neces- 
sary to  go  into  the  pen  and  separate  the 
animals,  but  they  generally  begin  again 
as  soon  as  I leave  them.  What  can  be 
done? 

Ans.:  Many  swine  breeders  claim  that 
this  restlessness  is  due  to  a feverish  con- 
dition and  that  they  will  bite  each  other 
for  want  of  something  to  cool  their  fever. 
Stone  coal  has  been  given  to  such  hogs 
with  a claim  that  it  has  effected  a com- 
plete cure.  It  will  at  least  be  worth  your 
time  to  give  it  a fair  trial. 

To  Prevent  Sows  From  Fighting. 

What  can  I do  to  get  two  sows  used  to 
each  other  so  that  I can  keep  them  to- 
gether? They  fight  all  the  time  and  I 
want  to  get  them  so  I can  put  them  in 
the  same  pen  where  they  can  sleep  and 
eat  together. 

Ans.:  Sows  can  sometimes  be  quieted  by 
placing  a boar  in  with  them  as  he  often 
acts  as  peace-maker  when  two  sows  get  to 
fighting. 

High  Tempers  In  Pigs. 

Why  do  pigs  show  high  tempers  and 
bite  each  other? 


Ans.:  It  is  pretty  hard  to  tell,  but  it  is 
often  necessary  to  remove  one  of  the  pigs, 
or  take  nippers  and  pull  the  baby  teeth  or 
tusks.  This  usually  brings  peace  to  the 
family. 

Hogs  Eat  Each  Other. 

My  hogs  were  on  clover  last  fall.  I 
brought  them  in  and  shut  them  in  the 
pen.  They  all  jump  on  one  and  kill  it. 
They  do  not  eat  the  carcass  but  seem  sat- 
isfied as  soon  as  one  is  dead.  I feed  a 
variety.  What  makes  them  do  it? 

Ans.:  Turn  a boar  among  them.  He 
might  stop  their  fighting.  There  is  noth- 
ing else  to  do  unless  you  watch,  find  which 
are  the  offenders  and  cut  them  out  of  the 
herd. 

Sows  Eating  Their  Own  Pigs. 

How  can  I prevent  my  sows  from  eat- 
ing their  own  pigs  at  farrowing  time? 

Ans.:  If  this  unnatural  appetite  is  not 
caused  by  a diseased  condition  of  the  uter- 
us, which  is  seldom  the  case,  it  is  gen- 
erally caused  by  the  confinement  of  the 
sow,  with  no  exercise,  and  being  fed  on  a 
food  that  is  heating  and  constipating  in 
its  nature.  Often  the  withholding  of  salt 
for  a long  period  causes  derangement  of 
the  bowels  and  liver.  It  will  seldom 
occur  if  she  has  been  fed  on  a mixed  food 
with  an  addition  of  roots  or  oil  meal. 
However,  if  it  should  occur,  take  all  the 
pigs  away  at  once,  and  when  she  lies  down 
pour  into  the  ear  a mixture  of  ten  to  twen- 
ty grains  of  spirits  of  camphor,  with  one 
to  three  of  tincture  of  opium.  The  sow 
will  lie  down  on  the  side  the  application 
is  made  and  will  remain  so  for  hours,  and 
will  lose  her  irritability  in  regard  to  the 
pigs.  Of  course,  let  them  nurse  while  she 
is  in  this  state.  Sometimes  it  is  caused  by 
the  pigs  biting  the  sow.  If  so,  remove 
with  a pair  of  nippers,  the  upper  and  low- 
er tusks  of  them  all. 

Sow  Eats  Pigs. 

I have  a sow  that  has  commenced  eat-' 
Ing  her  pigs.  They  are  about  three  weeks 
old.  How  can  I prevent  it? 

Ans.:  Remove  the  little  pigs  from  the 
sow  as  soon  as  they  are  done  sucking. 
Feed  good  rich  food  and  a little  sprinkle 
of  salt  occasionally.  Do  not  breed  this 
sow  again  as  she  is  liable  to  commit  the 
same  offense. 

Sows  Eating  Young. 

Have  been  troubled  with  sows  eating 
their  young.  Tried  giving  them  salt 
pork,  but  it  did  no  good. 

Ans.:  Give  them  a dose  of  epsom  salts  in 
feed  every  five  or  six  days  for  a time  be- 
fore farrowing,  and  feed  raw  potatoes 
freely.  This  has  been  suggested  by  an  old 
swine  breeder. 

Hogs  Eating  Their  Young. 

My  hogs  eat  their  young  after  they  are 


52 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


five  weeks  old.  How  can  I prevent  it? 

Ans.:  It  is  generally  some  defect  in  the 
food  which  leads  sows  to  eat  their  own 
pigs.  They  do  not  get  enough  nitrogene- 
nous,  or  flesh-forming  food.  Change  the 
ration  and  watch  them  carefully.  If  the 
sows  still  continue  to  eat  their  young  do 
not  retain  them  for  breeders,  but  fatten 
and  sell  them  off  as  quickly  as  possible. 

To  Prevent  a Sow  From  Fating  Her  Pigs. 

How  can  I prevent  a sow  eating  her 
pigs? 

Ans.:  Feed  her  largely  on  food  that 
tends  to  promote  growth  and  not  fat.  It 
is  the  corn  fed  sow  that  eats  up  her  pigs, 
and  not  the  one  that  has  the  run  of  the 
barnyard  and  that  is  fed  largely  on  slops’ 

Hogs  Eat  Chickens. 

Is  there  anything  to  feed  hogs  to  keep 
them  from  eating  chickens?  I have  a pen 
of  fattening  hogs  and  every  time  a hen 
gets  in  the  pen  the  hogs  catch  and  eat  it. 

Ans.:  It  looks  as  though  your  hogs  are 
getting  too  much  corn,  and  that  they  eat 
the  chickens  to  satisfy  a craving  for  food 
that  is  not  so  rich.  You  had  better  feed 
less  corn  and  try  giving  them  some  oats, 
bran  or  middlings.  You  will  then  have  a 
more  balanced  ration,  and  if  your  hogs 
have  not  acquired  a fondness  for  chicken, 
you  may  save  the  others.  If- possible,  you 
had  better  cover  the  yards  over  with 
chicken  wire.  Give  the  hogs  charcoal  and 
salt  and  all  the  clover  pasture  you  can. 

Hogs  Eating  Hens. 

In  the  fall  of  the  year  I always  lose  a 
number  of  hens  that  fly  over  into  the  hog 
pen  while  the  hogs  are  eating.  Why  is  it 
that  at  this  time  hogs  will  kill  and  eat 
poultry? 

Ans.:  There  is  evidently  something 
wrong  with  the  feed  they  are  getting  that 
causes  this  unnatural  desire.  It  is  gener- 
ally due,  however,  to  a lack  of  variety,  and 
is  most  noticeable  when  they  are  on  a 
strictly  corn  diet.  A little  middlings  and 
milk  or  water,  or  an  occasional  feed  of 
barley  and  rye  serve  well  to  overcome  this 
difficulty  and  it  is  also  well  to  have  before 
them  constantly  a little  salt  and  charcoal 
or  wood  ashes  where  they  can  get  it  at  all 
times. 

Expensive  Pens. 

My  neighbor  has  been  in  the  hog  busi- 
ness quite  a number  of  years  and  is  now 
putting  up  some  very  expensive  pens.  I 
am  only  a beginner  as  compared  with  his 
experience  with  swine,  and  want  to  know 
if  it  would  be  advisable  to  start  with  ex- 
pensive pens  and  fewer  hogs  or  more 
hogs  and  common  pens. 

Ans.:  Expensive  pens  are  not  always  the 
most  comfortable.  The  aim  should  be  to 
secure  comfort  first  and  appearance  later. 
It  is  better  to  start  with  a moderate  num- 
ber of  hogs  at  first  until  one  becomes 


somewhat  familiar  with  the  business,  in- 
creasing the  size  of  the  drove  as  occasion 
would  seem  to  warrant.  It  is  surely  a 
mistake  for  a beginner  to  spend  a very 
large  amount  of  money  on  buildings  be- 
fore he  sees  his  way  out  of  the  woods. 

Room  for  Brood  Sow. 

How  large  a room  would  be  best  for  a 
brood  sow? 

Ans.:  Good  brood-sow  pens  can  be  made 
six  by  eight  feet  with  a pen  in  front  of  the 
same  size  which  is  not  covered.  Be  sure 
to  have  a guard  rail  all  around  the  pen  if 
the  sow  is  placed  there  before  farrowing. 

Sleeping  Pens. 

Should  the  sleeping  pen  be  in  the  far- 
rowing pen? 

Ans.:  The  sleeping  pen  should  be  where 
the  sow  and  pigs  are  kept,  in  the  farrow- 
ing pen,  until  the  pigs  are  large  enough 
to  run  out.  In  front  of  that  have  a large 
feeding  floor  and  a double  door,  which  you 
can  open  and  let  the  pigs  run  out.  Pro- 
vide a sloping  floor  where  they  farrow  and 
sleep. 

Pens. 

Is  it  best  to  let  hogs  sleep  and  exercise 
all  in  the  same  pen? 

Ans.:  You  can  fall  into  no  greater  folly 
than  to  confine  pigs  to  a pen.  Exercise 
and  fresh  air  are  essentials  to  the 
feeding  of  animals.  If  you  feed  your  hogs 
in  a pen  and  do  not  give  them  exercise, 
and  they  have  no  access  to  the  earth  so  as 
to  get  the  phosphate  from  the  ground  by 
rooting,  they  will  surely  go  wrong. 

nog  House. 

How  shall  I build  a hog  house  for  eight 
brood  sows,  one  boar  and  the  litters?  I 
want  feed  room,  sleeping  room,  feeding 
floors  and  farrowing  pens. 

Ans.:  Build  an  out-of-door  feed  floor  to 
feed  on,  portable  farrowing  pens  for  the 
sows  at  farrowing  time,  and  a good,  warm 
building  about  16x24  for  sleeping  quarters 
for  the  sows  and  their  litters  after  the 
pigs  get  a nice  start  in  the  spring. 

Farrowing  Pens. 

How  large  should  I make  my  farrowing 
pens?  Of  course,  I mean  to  have  but  one 
sow  in  each  pen  at  once. 

Ans.:  The  farrowing  pen  need  not  be 
large,  10  feet  square  is  ample  but  it  should 
be  where  the  sow  will  not  be  disturbed 
by  other  animals  and  if  possible  have  it 
placed  where  she  can  have  plenty  of  sun- 
shine in  her  pen  most  of  the  day. 

Bother  by  Wind. 

Is  there  any  danger  that  the  wind  will 
blow  over  the  little  individual  farrowing 
pens? 

Ans.:  No.  Have  your  yards  well  pro- 
tected and  there  will  be  no  danger. 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


53 


Summer  Shelter  for  IJogs. 

I have  a fine  pasture  for  my  hogs  this 
year,  but  it  is  getting  very  hot  and  as 
there  are  no  trees  in  the  field  I am  afraid 
my  hogs  will  suffer  from  the  sun.  What 
kind  of  shelter  can  I put  up  for  them? 

Ans.:  A very  cheap  but  effective  shelter 
can  be  made  by  putting  up  a board  roof 
supported  by  four  posts  in  some  corner  of 
the  pasture,  or  if  you  have  a number  of 
portable  farrowing  pens  elevate  them  on 
posts  about  Zy2  or  4 feet  above  the  ground. 
Tour  hogs  will  soon  learn  to  appreciate  the 
shade  they  will  thus  make. 

Ventilation. 

What  is  a good  way  to  ventilate? 

Ans.:  Ventilate  a good  deal  as  in  a dairy 
barn,  but  these  low  hog  houses  so  much 
in  use  can  be  ventilated  by  the  door  on 
top.  If  it  is  a warm  day,  those  doors 
should  always  be  open. 

Windows  in  Hog  Houses. 

I am  thinking  of  putting  up  a new  hog 
house  with  glass  all  along  the  front  and 
one  side.  It  seems  to  me  that  there  would 
be  less  danger  of  hogs  taking  diseases  in 
winter  if  they  could  get  more  sunlight. 

Ans.:  Windows  are  necessary  to  admit 
light,  sunshine  and  air,  but  too  much  win- 
dow space  lowers  the  temperature  and 
would  probably  be  more  injurious  than 
beneficial.  It  would  hardly  be  economical 
to  have  so  much  glass  -in  hog  houses  in 
this  climate.  You  had  better  drop  the 
glass  front  and  side  scheme  and  substitute 
windows  instead.  Keep  your  pens  clean 
and  use  disinfectants  liberally  and  you 
probabJy  won’t  be  troubled  with  much  dis- 
ease. 

Hog  House  Floor. 

I intend  to  build  a hog  house.  What 
kind  of  floor  should  I put  in,  plank  or 
cement? 

Ans.:  While  cement  is  easier  to  keep1 
clean  it  is  generally  supposed  to  cause 
rheumatism  unless  the  sleeping  quarters 
are  kept  well  bedded.  A combination 
would  answer  the  purpose  better  th<xn 
either  one  or  the  other.  A tight  plank 
floor  under  the  bed  with  a cement  floor  in 
front  of  the  troughs  that  has  a slight  in- 
cline to  carry  off  the  urine  will  be  very 
nearly  ideal.  If  you  wish  to  use  cement  en- 
tirely you  had  better  make  a temporary 
board  floor  to  lay  over  it  in  the  sleeping 
quarters  during  the  cold  weather. 

Floor  for  Hog  House. 

Which  would  be  better,  a slanting  or 
level  floor  for  a hog  house? 

Ans.:  Have  the  floor  slant  very  little. 
Just  enough  to  drain  the  urine  off  is  suf- 
ficient. 

Feed  Floor. 

Ts  ft  a good  plan  to  use  a feed  floor  the 
year  around  to  feed  on? 


Ans.:  Yes.  Have  it  protected  from  wind 
by  a good  windbreak  of  evergreen  trees 
or  a willow  hedge.  The  floor  itself  should 
be  surrounded  by  a tight  high  board  fence 
or  placed  in  the  curve  of  a straw  rick  to 
protect  the  hogs  from  severe  winds  while 
they  are  eating. 

The  Feeding  Floor. 

Is  it  best  to  have  a roof  over  the  feed- 
ing floor? 

Ans.:  It  is  not  necessary.  Most  breed- 
ers prefer  to  have  it  open  to  God’s  blessed 
sunlight. 

Size  of  Feeding  Floor. 

How  large  a feeding  flour  would  be  re- 
quired for  100  pigs? 

Ans.:  It  should  be  at  least  sixteen  feet 
wide  and  eighty  feet  long. 

Feed  Floor  and  Troughs. 

Is  a feed  floor  or  a trough  to  be  preferred 
Where  shelled  corn  is  fed? 

Ans.:  A feed  floor  is  better  as  the  pigs 
would  eat  the  corn  altogether  too  fast  to 
masticate  it  if  it  were  fed  in  troughs. 
Where  they  have  to  pick  up  the  kernels 
one  at  a time  the  mastication  is  perfect. 

Sleeping  on  Plank  Floors. 

Does  it  injure  a sow  to  sleep  on  plank 
floors? 

Ans.:  Not  if  they  are  bedded.  Plank 
floors  seem  to  be  getting  back  into  general 
favor  with  a large  number  of  swine  breed- 
ers, and  are  now  quite  generally  used  es- 
pecially under  the  sleeping  quarters.  Dirt 
floors  are  unhealthy  and  cement  floors  oft- 
en produce  rheumatism  or  kindred  trou- 
bles. 

Plank  Floors  for  Young  Pigs. 

Is  it  advisable  to  keep  young  pigs  on 
plank  floors,  during  the  entire  winter? 

Ans.:  No.  Pigs  should  have  warm,  dry 
shelter,  and  a clean  bed  at  nights  in  ex- 
treme cold  and  storm,  and  should  have 
such  a place  at  will,  but  they  should  not 
be  deprived  of  out-door  exercise.  Give 
them  a chance  to  run  about  during  the 
day  and  they  will  be  healthier  for  it. 

Hog  Pen  Floors. 

What  kind  of  floors  are  the  best  for  the 
hog  pen? 

Ans.:  Dirt  floors,  board  floors  and  cement 
floors  have  been  used.  The  dirt  floors  be- 
come filthy  and  the  cement  floors  give  the 
hogs  rheumatism.  Board  floors  can  be 
kept  clean  and  are  not  so  cold.  The  best 
wooden  floors  are  made  of  double  flooring 
with  two  thicknesses  of  tar  paper  be- 
tween. Avoid  any  cracks  where  cold  air 
can  blow  on  your  pigs  or  hogs. 

Cement  Floors. 

Are  cement  floors  good  for  pigs  to  sleep 
on?  A neighbor  of  mine  put  in  a cement 
floor  last  fall  and  it  seems  to  me  that  his 


54 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


hogs  are  about  the  most  crippled  up  lot 
I ever  looked  at.  Is  the  floor  responsible 
for  their  condition? 

Ans.:  Never  force  hogs  to  sleep  directly 
on  a cement  floor.  They  will  usually  be 
troubled  with  rheumatism  or  other  similar 
ailments.  A dust  floor,  on  the  other  hand, 
Is  almost  as  bad,  while  the  plank  floor 
seems  to  solve  the  problem.  A cement 
floor  is  all  right  for  their  feeding  room  if 
it  is  given  a sufficient  slant  away  from  the 
trough,  but  it  should  never  be  used  as  a 
floor  for  the  sleeping  quarters.  If  your 
pens  already  have  cement  floors  laid,  build 
a plank  floor  on  top  of  the  cement  where 
the  sleeping  quarters  are  to  be. 

Bedding  for  Hogs. 

I have  plenty  of  wheat,  oat,  rye.  and 
barley  straw  all  In  good  condition.  Which 
straw  makes  the  best  winter  bedding  for 
hogs? 

Ans.:  Wheat  straw  undoubtedly  makes 
the  beSt  bedding. 

Bedding. 

What  is  the  best  kind  of  bedding  to  use? 

Ans.:  Wheat  straw,  and  not  very  much 
of  that.  Put  in  a few  days  before  the  sow 
farrows,  so  that  she  has  that  all  compact 
for  her  nest.  Only  change  often  enough 
to  insure  a clean  bed. 

Oat  Straw. 

What  is  there  about  oat  straw  that 
makes  it  unhealthy  for  hogs? 

Ans.:  It  Is  liable  to  give  them  skin  dis- 
ease. It  makes  them  look  kind  of  red  and 
always  sweaty.  Use  wheat  straw  if  you 
have  it. 

Timothy  Hay  for  Bedding. 

Is  timothy  hay  good  for  bedding? 

Ans.:  Timothy  hay  is  very  good  but  it 
Is  too  expensive.  Use  wheat  straw  if  you 
have  It.  Oat  straw  is  apt  to  cause  skin 
trouble  and  should  not  be  used  if  you  can 
get  anything  else  that  is  suitable. 

Barley  Straw  for  Bedding. 

Is  barley  straw  good  for  bedding? 

Ans.:  It  will  do  in  the  absence  of  some- 

thing better  but  it  is  not  so  good  as  wheat 
straw. 

Chaff  for  Farrowing  Pen. 

Would  a little  chaff  or  cut  straw  be 
better  than  wheat  straw  for  the.  farrow- 
ing pen? 

Ans.:  If  you  put  wheat  straw  in  a few 
days  before,  the  sow  will  cut  it  up  so  that 
there  will  be  no  danger  of  the  little  pigs 
getting  mixed  up  in  It. 

Straw  in  Pens. 

Is  It  best  to  put  very  much  straw  In  the 
pens  that  are  used  for  breeding  purposes? 

Ans.:  Yes.  Here  is  a good  practice.  A 
fortnight  before  a sow  farrows  put  her 
into  the  open  and  feed  her  there  mornings 


and  nights  but  let  her  go  along  with  the 
rest  of  the  sows,  so  that  she  does  not  be- 
come scared.  Do  this  up  to  within  three 
days  of  farrowing,  and  then  confine  her  in 
the  stall  all  the  time.  A sow  carries  her 
young  from  112  to  116  days  at  the  outside. 
The  sow  knows  that  she  has  been  treated 
well  in  that  stall,  and  that  there  is  no  dan- 
ger about  It;  and  remember  that  the  sow 
always  looks  out  a secure  place  in  which 
to  farrow.  The  second  day  after  you  have 
confined  her  give  her  plenty  of  bedding 
and  let  her  make  her  own  nest.  Of  course, 
you  may  have  too  much  bedding.  You  will 
have  to  use  your  own  judgment  about  that 
and  leave  only  what  you  think  she  should 
have. 

Changing  the  Bedding. 

How  often  should  I chqnge  the  bedding 
just  after  farrowing  time? 

Ans.:  Every  four  or  five  days,  and  often- 
er  if  the  sow  and  pigs  are  going  in  and 
out  of  the  pen,  tracking  in  mud  and  filth. 
Do  not  force  them  to  lie  on  a wet  bed. 
Change  the  straw  as  often  as  the  state  of 
the  weather  or  the  condition  of  the  bed 
makes  it  necessary. 

Salt  for  Swine. 

I would  like  some  advice  as  to  giving 
salt  to  hogs. 

Ans.:  The  salt  can  be  mixed  with  the 
slop  given.  The  results  would  probably  be 
better  if  the  salt  was  first  dissolved  in  hot 
water  when  practicable.  The  dose  requir- 
ed should  be  proportioned  to  the  age  and 
size  of  the  animal.  This  can  be  determin- 
ed by  test.  It  is  seldom  that  more  than 
a few  ounces  should  be  given  at  once.  If 
uncertain  as  to  the  proper  amount  to  give, 
have  the  sale  in  a box  by  itself  where  the 
hogs  can  get  it  at  will.  They  will  never 
eat  more  than  is  good  for  them. 

Salt  for  Hogs. 

How  should  salt  be  fed  to  hogs? 

Ans.:  Hogs  should  always  have  free  ac- 
cess to  salt.  When  on  pasture  it  is  a good 
plan  to  spade  in,  from  time  to  time,  a 
lot  of  salt,  especially  if  the  soil  is  clay, 
and  leave  it  in  that  state.  Otherwise  keep 
it  in  a dry  place  where  they  can  get  it 
readily. 

Soft  Coal  for  Hogs. 

Will  soft  coal  take  the  place  of  wood 
ashes  for  hogs? 

Ans.:  Most  breeders  prefer  wood  ashes. 
One  trouble  in  feeding  soft  coal  is  that 
you  are  apt  to  expose  your  herd  to  hog 
cholera  in  feeding  it,  as  it  is  frequently 
shipped  in  stock  cars. 

Ashes  and  Salt  for  Hogs. 

Is  It  beneficial  to  feed  ashes  and  salt 

to  hogs? 

Ans.:  Ashes  and  salt  are  very  beneficial. 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


55 


as  they  keep  the  stomach  In  tone  and  in- 
crease the  strength  of  bone  in  the  ani- 
mals. 

Sulphur  and  Ashes  for  Hogs. 

Are  sulphur  and  charcoal  or  wood  ashes 
good  for  hogs? 

Ans.:  If  sulphur  is  used  the  hogs  should 
have  a very  warm  and  dry  pen,  as  it  is 
dangerous  to  give  it  to  hogs  if  the  pen  is 
wet  and  cold.  The  only  good  properties 
they  get  from  the  ashes  are  in  the  pieces 
of  charcoal  they  find  in  it.  A half  tea- 
spoonful of  sulphur  twice  or  three  times 
a week  to  a fifty  pound  hog  is  a fair  dose. 

Best  Wood  for  Charcoal. 

What  kind  of  wood  is  the  best  to  make 
Into  charcoal  for  hogs? 

Ans.:  Maple  would  give  you  the  best  re- 
sults. Have  a place  to  put  the  charcoal 
where  the  hogs  can  always  find  it  and 
you  will  have  little  or  no  trouble  with 
scours  or  indigestion  in  your  herd.  Hard 
wood  makes  better  charcoal  than  that 
made  from  some  of  the  softer  trees.  Very 
good  charcoal  can  be  made  from  corn  cobs. 

Watering  Hogs. 

Do  hogs  require  much  water?  I have  a 
little  run  that  goes  through  a corner  of  my 
hog  pasture,  and  while  the  hogs  go  down 
there  and  lie  down  in  the  mud,  to  keep 
the  flies  off,  I seldom  see  them  drink. 

Ans.:  Give  up  that  old  idea  that  hogs  do 
not  require  much  water.  The  hog  is  con- 
stituted very  much  like  the  human  being, 
and  should  always  be  provided  with  fresh 
water  where  he  can  get  at  it  at  will.  If  it 
is  not  convenient  to  have  water  where 
hogs  can  get  it  freely,  then  it  must  be  car- 
ried to  them  regularly  each  day.  Further- 
more, hogs  should  always  be  watered  in 
the  evening,  as  they  are  apt  to  drink 
quite  a great  deal  just  before  going  to 
bed. 

Automatic  Waterer. 

Can  an  automatic  waterer  be  put  in  the 
sleeping  room  and  does  it  work  satis- 
factorily? 

Ans.:  It  can,  and  works  well  with  a lit- 
tle attention  where  it  is  kept  sufficiently 
warm  so  as  not  to  freeze. 

Hog  Rings. 

Is  it  necessary  to  ring  hogs? 

Ans.:  No,  if  you  give  them  salt  and  char- 
coal there  is  no  need  to  ring  them.  A hog 
roots  simply  because  there  is  a want  of 
phosphate  to  make  bone  growth.  The 
higher  you  feed  the  hog  the  more  he  will 
root.  If  a man  is  under  obligation  to  ring 
his  hogs  it  is  best  to  put  a ring  on  each 
side  of  its  nose;  never  put  a ring  in  the 
center,  because  you  will  thus  very  often 
disturb  the  nerves  that  are  connected  with 
the  eye  and  the  brain.  You  will  often  no- 
tice that  when  you  ring  the  nose  right 


through  the  center  the  pigs  will  draw 
back  from  the  trough. 

Rings. 

Should  I ring  pigs  when  on  pasture? 

Ans.:  It  is  always  best  to  ring  brood 
sows  before  breeding  them.  Then  they 
will  not  disturb  the  yard  and  pasture  in 
the  spring.  Larger  hogs  may  be  ringed 
if  they  do  much  damage  to  pastures. 
Many  breeders  put  two  rings  in  their 
noses,  one  on  each  side  of  the  center  of 
the  nose.  Never  ring  pigs. 

Age  of  Pigs  at  Market  Time. 

How  old  should  pigs  be  and  what  weight 
should  they  attain  at  the  time  of  market- 
ing? 

Ans.:  On  general  principles  a pig  will 
pay  the  largest  profit  if  sold  by  the  time 
it  reaches  200  pounds.  If,  however,  pork 
should  be  high  and  corn  low  it  would  pay 
you  to  hold  for  heavier  weight. 

The  Most  Profitable  Weight. 

At  what  weight  is  it  most  profitable 
to  sell  hogs. 

Ans.:  That  depends  on  the  price  of 
the  grain  and  of  pork  and  also  the  amount 
of  feed  on  hand.  On  general  principles  a 
hog  will  make  a more  profitable  gain  be- 
fore it  reaches  200  pounds  than  after. 
Watch  the  market  quotations  and  be 
guided  accordingly. 

Best  Age  for  Meat. 

I have  some  young  pigs  that  I am  going 
to  get  iin  good  shape  to  kiil  for  family 
use.  At  what  age  would  they  make  the 
best  meat? 

Ans.:  Properly  fattened,  a six  months 
old  pig  makes  the  best  meat.  When  they 
get  older  than  that  the  quality  begins  to 
deteriorate  and  the  proportion  of  fat  be- 
comes very  much  in  excess  of  the  lean. 

Meat  all  Right. 

I have  had  cholera  in  my  swine  herd 
recently.  Is  the  meat  of  those  not  at- 
tacked all  right  for  eating?  Is  meat  of 
pigs  crippled  in  hind  feet  good  for  eating? 

Ans.:  The  meat  from  both  hogs  is  per- 
fectly healthy. 

Meat  not  Affected. 

We  bought  and  killed  a large  sow  that 
looked  healthy,  but  when  we  opened  her 
she  had  four  or  five  gallons  of  water  in- 
side. Not  in  the  intestines,  but  outside  of 
them.  The  meat,  heart  and  liver  looked 
all  right,  but  the  kidneys  were  blistered. 
What  was  the  trouble,  and  is  the  meat 
fit  to  eat? 

Ans.:  There  is  no  reason  why  the  meat 
should  not  be  good.  There  was  nothing  of 
a contagious  or  Infectious  nature  ailing 
the  animal  when  butchered. 

Boar  Meat. 

I have  a boar  that  I want  to  dress  in 
from  four  to  six  weeks.  Should  I cas- 
trate him  now  or  will  the  meat  be  all  right 


56 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


if  he  is  castrated  just  before  being-  butch- 
ered? 

Ans.:  The  age  of  the  boar  is  not  given. 
If  under  six  months,  it  will  be  all  right  to 
kill  him  without  castration.  If  much  over 
that  age  a better  quality  of  meat  would 
be  obtained  by  castrating  him  at  once. 

Keeping  Pork. 

Please  tell  me  how  to  keep  pork  during 
the  hot  summer  months. 

Ans.:  On  the  assumption  that  the  pork 
has  been  killed  in  cold  weather  and  prop- 
erly cured,  the  best  place  to  store  pork  is 
a dry  cool  place  with  sufficient  circulation 
of  air.  If  one  fold  of  cotton  is  put  around 
> it  and  sewed  so  as  to  keep  the  flies  out  you 
should  have  no  trouble.  If  you  mean,  how 
should  pork  be  kept  that  is  killed  in  hot 
weather,  there  is  perhaps  no  better  way 
than  to  salt  it  thoroughly  and  allow  it  to 
remain  in  salt  in  a cool  cellar  for  about 
six  weeks.  Then  smoke  it  and  when  dried 
wrap  as  described  above. 

Curing  Meat. 

How  can  I cure  my  own  pork  where  I 
have  only  the  common  facilities  of  the 
farm? 

Ans.:  Handle  your  hogs  carefully;  catch 
and  kill  them  just  as  quietly  as  possible, 
butcher  just  as  cleanly  as  possible,  see 
that  the  meat  is  chilled  down  to  the  freez- 
ing point  for  at  least  twenty-four  hours; 
then  cut  up  and  salt,  being  careful  to  get 
it  in  nice  shape,  cut  regularly  and  smooth- 
ly in  every  respect,  cutting  the  ham  off 
with  a saw  instead  of  an  axe;  use  rock 
salt  and  let  stand  so  the  brine  will  escape. 
At  the  end  of  a week,  salt  again.  Use 
granulated  sugar  before  using  salt  but 
brown  sugar  will  give  good  results.  Later 
in  the  season  dry  and  smoke  for  a short 
time,  and  if  you  wish  to  hold,  pack  the 
hams  in  a dry  salt,  being  careful  that  the 
hams  are  dry  when  put  away,  or  they  will 
take  up  too  much  salt.  Pack  the  side 
meat  and  shoulders  in  oats  that  have  been 
run  through  a fanning  mill  and  are  clean. 
Be  careful  to  put  your  meat  away  on  a dry 
day,  because  if  it  is  damp  it  will  accumu- 
late moisture  and  mould  in  the  oats. 

A Good  Hog  Fence. 

How  can  I make  a hog  fence  that  will 
hold  hogs?  _ 

Ans.:  First  set  the  corner  posts  very  se- 
curely and  brace  them  well.  Then  draw  a 
barb  wire  tight  along  the  ground.  This 
will  serve  as  a line  to  set  the  other  posts 
by.  This  wire  is  left  to  keep  the  pigs 
from  rooting  under.  Next  set  the  inter- 
mediate posts  one  rod  apart.  Set  the 
posts  in  the  fall  and  let  them  freeze  in. 
Put  in  a two-foot  woven  wire  in  the  spring 
on  a warm  day  before  the  ground  thaws 
out.  Each  post  is  then  as  solid  as  a tree 
and  the  wire  can  be  drawn  as  tight  as  de- 


sired. Next  put  on  a second  wire  six  inch- 
es above  the  woven  wire  and  finish  by  a 
third  barb  wire  breast  high  to  keep  out 
other  stock.  A fence  made  in  this  manner 
will  last  many  years. 

Hogs  Eating  Sand  and  Gravel. 

Why  do  hogs  eat  so  much  sand  and 
gravel? 

Ans.:  Tour  hog’s  digestive  apparatus  is 
out  of  order  and  you  are  feeding  too  high. 
Furnish  them  salt,  charcoal  and  ashes  with 
plenty  of  room  for  exercise  and  you  should 
not  be  troubled  this  way  any  more. 

What  Killed  the  Pigs? 

About  the  middle  of  April  we  had 
twelve  sows  come  in  with  eighty-four 
pigs.  They  had  been  sleeping  in  the  barn, 
but  ran  in  a good  pasture  during  the  day. 
One  night,  as  it  was  pleasant,  we  shut 
them  all  out  in  the  pasture  and  let  them 
sleep  in  the  straw  pile.  Next  morning 
there  were  dead  pigs  in  the  pasture,  in 
the  yard  and  in  the  barn.  The  pasture 
fence  was  not  fixed  at  that  time  so  the 
pigs  could  get  out.  Within  24  hours  27 
of  the  biggest  and  best  were  dead.  They 
did  not  struggle  as  if  poisoned,  but  were 
stupid,  lingered  and  died.  It  is  a mystery 
to  us.  One  man  suggested  that  the  sows 
got  poisoned  roots.  In  that  case  wouldn’t 
the  sows  be  poisoned? 

Ans.:  It  was  something  they  had  eaten 
that  caused  their  death.  The  sows  could 
take  enough  of  certain  poisons  to  cause 
the  death  of  the  little  suckling  pigs  with- 
out killing  themselves. 

Pigs  Disappear. 

I have  lost  several  small  pigs  and  do 
not  know  what  becomes  of  them.  Would- 
it  be  possible  for  rats  to  kill  and  carry 
them  away?  By  putting  in  a plank  floor 
can  I keep  the  rats  out? 

Ans.:  It  is  quite  possible  that  the  rats 
have  destroyed  your  little  pigs,  but  it  is 
more  likely  to*  be  some  larger  animal.  It 
would  be  well  to  put  in  a plank  floor,  but 
you  had  better  build  a pen  so  that  no  ani- 
mals can  get  in. 

Fresh  Lime  in  Hog  Houses. 

Would  it  do  any  good  to  scatter  fresh 
lime  in  hog  houses? 

Ans.:  Yes,  in  warm  weather.  Scatter 
the  lime  in  wet  places  that  are  apt  to  give 
off  a stench,  and  a good  coat  of  white- 
wash on  the  inside  and  outside  of  the  hog 
house  will  help  toward  maintaining  sani- 
tary conditions. 

Time  to  Care  for  Hogs. 

How  much  of  a man’s  time  would  it 
take  to  care  for  155  hogs? 

Ans.:  On  the  whole,  probably  not  more 
than  one-fourth,  if  he  is  a good  man. 

Cause  for  Hogs  Eating  Ice. 

Why  does  a hog  eat  ice  when  water  Is 
plentiful  ? 

Ans.:  Sometimes  a hog  will  eat  .Ice 
which  is  chopped  from  a trough  to  get  the 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


5? 


ground  feed  that  it  contains.  Other  times 
they  eat  ice  because  they  are  feverish. 

Can  Land  be  Kept  by  Hog  Raising. 

Can  land  be  kept  fertile  by  raising  hogs 
as  well  as  by  raising  cattle? 

Ans.:  The  ideal  way  to  keep  hogs  and 
keep  up  a farm  is  to  keep  them  in  con- 
nection with  the  dairy.  You  could  hard- 
ly keep  up  the  fertility  of  a farm  growing 
hogs  alone. 

What  to  do  With  the  Runts. 

Each  year  I have  from  eight  to  ten 
little  runts.  Is  it  well  to  allow  them  to 
run  around  with  the  rest  of  the  swine, 
or  what  can  I do  with  them? 

Ans.:  There  is  always  one  good  thing 
about  the  runt.  He  makes  a prime  roast- 
er. But  the  scurvy,  sickly,  runty  pig 
should  not  be  permitted  to  run  at  large 
with  the  rest  of  the  herd.  If  a contagi- 
ous disease  comes  into  the  neighborhood 
he  is  almost  certain  to  catch  it  and  spread 
it  among  the  others.  He  should  either 
be  kept  by  himself  or  disposed  of. 

Cutting  Pig’s  Tail  Off. 

Does  it  help  a pig  to  fatten  to  cut  its 
tail  off  when  small? 

Ans.:  Better  leave  the  pigs  tail  on,  as 
It  costs  very  little  to  grow  it,  and  is  a 
good  thermometer  to  tell  how  your  pig  is 
doing  and  also  comes  in  very  handy  at 
scalding  time. 

Sheep  or  Hogs? 

Which  would  be  the  quickest  way  for 
a man  with  limited  means  to  get  a start, 
with  sheep  or  hogs? 


Ans.:  Consult  your  own  taste  In  the 
matter  and  decide  to  raise  what  you  be- 
lieve to  be  best  suited  to  your  own  par- 
ticular conditions.  If  you  have  no  ex- 
perience with  sheep,  you  would  make  a 
serious  mistake  if  you  started  in  with 
them  while  prices  are  at  the  flood  tide. 
If  you  have  had  experience  with  swine 
it  would  be  better  for  you  to  continue 
with  them  at  least  until  sheep  take  a drop 
in  price. 

Low  Prices. 

Hogs  are  pretty  low,  shall  I stick  or 
sell  out? 

Ans.:  Keep  right  on  just  the  same,  only 
give  your  animals  a little  better  care  so 
that  you  can  make  a good,  fair  profit  in 
spite  of  low  prices. 

Registering  Swine. 

Please  tell  me  if  pigs  that  are  brought 
from  another  state  can  be  registered  here 
in  Minnesota,  and  at  what  price? 

Ans.:  Swine,  if  purely  bred,  can  be  regis- 
tered in  the  record  to  which  they  proper- 
ly belong  in  any  part  of  the  United  States. 
The  same  is  true  of  any  kind  of  pure-bred 
stock.  In  order  to  record  them,  you  must 
first  decide  in  what  association  you 
would  have  them  recorded  and  then  write 
to  the  secretary  for  blanks,  which  will 
give  all  information  in  regard  to  registra- 
tion and  prices.  These  we  cannot  give, 
as  they  vary  with  the  different  kinds  of 
stock. 


Index. 


BREEDING. 

Page. 


Age  of  Sire 1 

Age  of  Breeding  Swine 2 

A Bad  Sort  of  Breeder 2 

A Bad  Grazing  Type 2 

Always  Buy  a Pure  Bred  Sire 3 

Age  to  Breed 3 

Age  to  Breed  Sows 4 

A Poor  Sow  for  a Breeder 5 

Age,  Breeding  5 

Age  Limit  of  Sows 5 

A Question  in  Weaning 6 


LI  11  VsiCLJl  -M.UU1  O 

Brood  Sow  and  Boar,  The  Conforma- 
tion of  the,  1 

Boar,  Impotent  1 

Boar,  Trouble  with 1 

Boar,  Selecting  a 1 

Breeding  Age  of  Sire 1 

Better  Blood  Needed  1 

Boar,  Correcting  Weak  Points  in  the.  1 

Boar  or  Sow?  Pure  Bred 2 

Breeder,  A Bad  Sort  of  a 2 

Boar,  Buying  a — The  Age 2 

Boar,  Time  to  Buy  a 2 

Boar  Running  with  Sows 2 

Boar  Pigs  not  up  to  Standard 2 

Boar,  Handling  the  2 

Boar,  Selecting  a 2 

Boars,  Selecting  for  Breeders 3 


Boars,  Changing 

Boar,  Selecting  for  Fattening  Quali- 
ties   3 


Breed,  Age  to 

Bringing  Sows  in  Heat 

Bone,  Cross  Breeding  Hogs  for 

Bone,  Exercise  for 

Brood  Sows,  Selecting  Future.’.*.’ 

Breeders,  Poor  Sows  for 

Breeding,  Old  Sows  for 

Breeding  Age  !!!!!! 

Boar  and  Brood  Sow !!*’’* 

Breeding  Young  Sows !!.!!! 

Breeding  Twice  a Year 

Birth,  Pigs  Die  Soon  After !!!”* 

Breeding  with  a View  of  Fattening 

Breeding  vs.  Feeding j 

Broken  Down  Pigs * * 

Conformation  of  Brood  Sows  and  Boar 
Correcting  Weak  Points  in  the  Boar. 

Changing  Boars 

Care  of  Brood  Sow  Before  Farrow- 
ing   


Cross  Breeding 

Cross  Breeding  Hogs  for  Bone 
Correcting  Defects  in  the  Sow 

Exercise  for  Bone 

Early  Maturity  

Farrowing,  Penning  Before.  . . 


3 

3 

4 
4 

4 

4,  5 

5 
5 
5 

5 

6 


1 

1 

3 

3 

4 
4 

6 

4 

9 

3 


58 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE. 


Page. 

Farrowing,  Care  of  tne  Brood  Sow 

Before  8 

Fall  Litters 7 

Fall  or  Spring  Pigs 7 

Farrowing,  Lose  Pigs  After 8 

Farrowing,  Trouble  in 8 

Fattening,  Breeding  with  a View  of..  9 

Feed  vs.  Breed 9 

Grazing,  A bad  Type 2 

Gestation,  Period  of 3 

Gilts?  Old  Sows  or 5 

Gilts,  Milking  Quality  of 

Hogs  for  Market  Only 1 

Handling  the  Boar 2 

Heat,  To  Get  Sows  in 3 

Hogs,  Cross  Breeding  for  Bone  4 

How  Long  are  Sows  Profitable? 5 

Impotent  Boar 1 

Inbreeding 4 

Litters,  Two  a Year 6 

Litters,  Number  of  a Year 6 

Litters,  Number  of 7 

Litters,  One  Each  Year 7 

Litters,  Fall 7 

Litters,  Time  for  Spring. 7 

Litter,  Number  of  Pigs  to  the 7 

Large  Litters 7 

Lose  Pigs  after  Farrowing 8 

Milking  Qualities  of  a Gilt 5 

Maturity,  Early 9 

Nursing  Pigs  6 

Number  of  Litters  a year 6 

Number  of  Litters  7 

Number  of  Pigs  a Sow  Should  Have..  7 

Number  of  Pigs  to  the  Litter 7,  8 

Number  of  Pigs  Dropped 8 

Old  Sows  for  Breeding 5 

Old  Sows  or  Gilts? 5 

One  Litter  Each  Year 7 

Pure  Bred,  Use  Sires 1 

Pure  Bred  Sire  or  Sows? 2 

Pedigreed  Scrub 2 

Producing  Healthy  Pigs 3 

Pure  Bred  Sire,  Always  Buy  a 3 

Period  of  Gestation 3 

Penning  Before  Farrowing 3 

Pregnant  Sows,  Shipping 4 

Poor  Sows  for  Breeders 6 

Profitable?  How  Long  are  Sows f 

Pigs,  Weaning 6 

Pigs,  Nursing  6 

Pigs?  Spring  or  Fall  Born 7 

Pigs,  Number  of  a Sow  Should  Have..  7 

Pigs,  Number  of  to  the  Litter 7 

Pigs,  Number  of  Dropped 8 

Pigs,  Losing  After  Farrowing 8,  9 

Pigs.  Broken  Down 9 

Be-Breeding  Sows 5 

Raising  Pure-Bred  Animals 9 

Sows,  Conformation  of  Brood  and  Boar  1 

Selection  of  a Boar 1 

Sire,  Breeding  Age  of 1 

Sires,  Use  Pure  Bred 1 

Sows?  Pure  Bred  Boar  or. 2 

Swine,  Age  of  Breeding 2 

Sows,  Boar  Running  With 2 

Scrub.  Pedigreed 

Standard,  Boar  Pigs  not  up  to 2 

Selecting  Boars  for  Breeuers 3 

Selecting  a Boar  for  Fattening  Quali- 
ties  3 

Sire,  Alwavs  Buy  a Pure  Bred 3 

Sows,  To  Get  in  Heat 3 

Shipping  Pregnant  Sows 4 

Selecting  Future  Brood  Sows 4 

Sows,  What  Age  to  Breed 4 

Sow,  The  Brood 5 

Sows,  Breeding  Young 6 

Sows,  Re-Breeding 5 

Sows,  Age  Limit  of 5 

Sow,  Correcting  Defects  in  the 6 


Page. 


Spring  or  Fall  Born  Pigs? 7 

Spring  Litter,  Time  for 7 

Sow  Over-Lying  her  Young 8 

Time  to  Buy  a Boar 2 

Two  Litters  a Year 6 

Time  for  Spring  Litters 7 

Trouble  in  Farrowing 8 

What  Time  to  Breed  Sows 4 

Weaning t> 

Young  Sows,  Breeding 5 

FEEDING. 

Feeding  Hogs. 

Amount  of  Corn  necessary  to  Feed  a 

Hog 10 

Boar,  Feeding  The 9 

Balancing  the  Ration 10 

Barley  Meal 12 

Beans,  Spoiled  for  Hogs 12 

Butter  Milk  for  Hogs 12 

Butter  Milk  or  Skim  Milk? 12 

Corn  for  Fattening  Hogs 9 

Corn,  Profitable  Way  to  Feed 10 

Corn  Fattened  Hogs 10 

Corn,  Feeding  in  the  Corn  Belt 10 

Corn,  Amount  of  Necessary  to  Feed 

Hogs  10 

Corn,  The  Value  of  as  a Food 10 

Corn,  Green 10 

Corn,  Feeding  Screenings  and 11 

Corn-and-Cob  Meal 12 

Creamery  Milk  for  Hogs 12 

Copperas  or  Sulphur  in  Slop 12 

Feeding  the  Boar 9 

Feeding  Fattening  Hogs 9 

Feeding  Corn  in  the  Corn  Belt Ill" 

Food,  The  Value  of  Corn  as  a 10 

Fodder  for  Hogs,  Green 11 

Feeding  Screenings  and  Corn 11 

Fattening  Swine,  Millet  Seed  for 11 

Flaxseed  for  Hogs 11 

Feeding  Squash 13 

Feeding  Value  of  Potatoes 13 

Food,  Mixed 14 

Green  Corn 10 

Green  Fodder  for  Hogs 11 

Green  Speltz  for  Hogs 11 

Hogs,  Feeding  Fattening 9 

Hogs,  Corn  for  Fattening 9 

Hogs,  Corn  Fattened 10 

Hogs,  Green  Corn  for 10,  11 

Hogs,  The  Value  of  Speltz  for 11 

Hogs,  Millet  for 11 

Hogs,  Flaxseed  for 11 

Hogs,  Spoiled  Beans  for 12 

Hogs,  Creamery  Milk  for 12 

Hogs  Without  Dairy 12 

Hogs,  Sugar  Beets  for 13 

Hogs,  Pushing  for  Market 13 

Linseed  Meal 12 

Millet  Seed  for  Fattening  Swine 11 

Millet  for  Hogs 11 

Meal,  Linseed 12 

Meal,  Oil 12 

Meal,  Barley 12 

Meal,  Corn-and-Cob 12 

Milk  for  Hogs.  Creamery 12 

Milk?  Butter  Milk  or  Skim 12 

Mangels  for  Hogs 13 

Market,  Pushing  Hogs  for 13 

Mixed  Food 14 

Number  of  Meals  a day 14 

Oil  Cake  for  Fattening 12 

Oil  Meal 12 

Profitable  Way  to  Feed  Corn 10 

Pumpkins,  When  to  Feed 13 

Potatoes  for  Hogs 13 

Pushing  Hogs  for  Market i3 

Ration.  Balancing  the 10 

Rye,  Winter 11 


INDEX. 


59 


Page. 


Roots  for  Swine  13 

Screenings  and  Corn,  Feeding 11 

Speltz  for  Swine 11 

Swill 12 

Sulphur  or  Copperas  in  Slop 12 

Squash,  Feeding 13 

Sugar  Beets  for  Hogs 13 

Small  Potatoes  for  Swine 13 

Silage  for  Hogs 13 

Variety?  One  Food  or  a 14 

Wheat  for  Hogs 11 

Feeding  Brood  Sows. 

Brood  Sows,  Feeding 14 

Brood  Sows  in  Summer,  Feed  for 14 

Brood  Sow,  Feeding  the  14 

Brood  Sow,  Grain  for  the 14 

Brood  Sows,  Ground  Oats  for 14 

Brood  Sows,  Flaxseed  Meal  for 14 

Brood  Sows,  Skim  Milk  for 15 

Brood  Sows,  Feeding 15,  16 

Best  Ration  for  Sow 16 

Brood  Sows  With  Cattle 17 

Brood  Sows  and  Fattening  Hogs 17 

Breeding  Sows  on  Shares 17 

Changing  from  Corn  to  Oats 14 

Corn-and-Cob  Ration 17 

Corn  Fodder 17 

Feeding  Brood  Sows 14 

Feed  for  the  Brood  Sow  in  Summer...  14 

Flaxseed  Meal  for  Brood  Sows 14 

Feeding  Flax  to  Sows 15 

Feeding  Horse  Flesh 15 

Feed  Before  Farrowing 15,  16 

Farrowing,  Treatment  of  Sow  Just 

Before 16 

Grain  for  Brood  Sows 14 

Ground  Oats  for  Brood  Sows 14 

Hogs  Running  With  other  Stock 17 

Increasing  the  Size  of  Litters 14 

Linseed  Meal  for  Sows 16 

Middlings  for  Nursing  Sows,  Skim 

Milk  and 15 

Middlings,  Sows  Refuse  to  Eat 15 

Maintaining  the  Milk  Supply 16 

Oats  for  Sows 14 

Oats  and  Peas  for  Sows 14 

Oil  Meal  for  Sows 16 

Roots 15 

Size  of  Litters,  Increasing  the 14 

cows  in  Summer,  Feed  for 14 

Skim  Milk  for  Brood  Sows 15 

Sugar  Beet  Pulp 15 

Too  Much  Milk 16 

Treatment  of  Sow  Just  After  Farrow- 
ing  16 

What  Feed  Before  Farrowing? 15 

Feeding  Pigs. 

A Question  of  Profit 17 

Average  Gain  of  Young  Pigs 22 

Barley  for  Pigs 19 

Bone  Meal 19 

Best  Food  for  Pigs 20 

Bran,  Corn  and  Oats  for  Pigs 20 

Bran  for  Pigs 20 

Creamery  Milk 18 

Corn  Meal  for  Young  Pigs 20 

Cotton  Seed  Meal  for  Pigs 20 

Cooked  Grain 22 

Cooking  the  Feed 22 

Cooking  and  Gringing  of  Food 22 

Charcoal  for  Hogs 23 

Feeding,  A Difference  in 18 

Feeding,  Winter  or  Summer 17 

Feeding  Questions 17 

Food  for  Pigs 18 

Feeding  Corn 19 

Feeding  Corn  Alone 19 

Feeding  Sow  with  Pigs 19 

Feeding  Pigs  Before  Weaning 20 

Fattening  Young  Pigs 21 

Feed  for  Pigs 21 

Food  for  Young  Pigs 21 

Feeding  Rye  or  Barley 22 

Fresh  Water 23 


Page. 


Ground  Barley  and  Oats  for  Pigs...  19 

Grain  Fed  to  Little  Pigs 21 

Grinding  Hog  Food 22 

Gain  .of  Pigs  per  Day 22 

Heavily  Fed  Pigs 21 

Is  Charcoal  Good  for  Hogs?. 23 

Keeping  Pigs  Through  Winter  22 

Milk,  The  Value  of  for  Pigs 18 

Milk,  Substitute  for 19 

Middlings  for  Small  Pigs 21 

Mangels  for  Swine 22 

Profit,  A Question  of 17 

Pay  to  Sell  or  Feed?  Will  it 18 

Pushing  the  Pigs 20 

Ration  for  Pigs 18 

Small  Pigs  in  Spring 18 

Sour  Milk 18 

Shorts  Soaked  for  Pigs 19 

Starting  Pigs  after  Weaning 19 

Stock  Food  for  Swine 20 

Swine  Not  Growing  Well 20 

Steaming  Food  for  Swine 22 

Soaked  Corn 23 

Swill  in  the  Winter 23 

Soapy  Water  for  Pigs 23 

Winter  or  Summer  Feeding 17 

Will  it  Pay  to  Sell  or  Feed? 18 

Whey  for  Pigs 19 

PASTURES  FOR  SWINE. 

Alfalfa  for  Hogs 23 

Artichokes  for  Swine  23,24 

Barley  and  Oats,  Pasture  of  26 

Barley  and  Rape  In  Place  of  Clover..  26 

Clover  Pastures 24 

Continuous  Pasture 25 

Dividing  Hog  Pastures 27 

Diseased  Pasture,  Turning  Hogs  in...  28 

Early  Hog  Pasture 25 

Grain  Feed  for  Pasture  Hogs 24 

Grass  for  Swine 25 

Hog  Culture  Without  Pasture 23 

Hogs  in  Polk  County,  Minnesota 24 

Hogs  on  Rape 26 

Hog  Pasture 26,  27 

Oats  and  Rape 26 

Oats  and  Vetch  for  Pasture,  Quantity 

of  26 

Pastured  Hogs  Injure  Alfalfa 23 

Pasture,  The  Best 24 

Permanent  Hog  Pasture 25 

Pasture  for  Pigs 26 

Pasture  of  Barley  and  Oats 26 

Pasture  for  Eight  Hogs 28 

Pasture  for  Ten  Hogs 28 

Pasture  for  100  Swine 28 

Pasture  Running  Short 28 

Rape,  Time  to  Sow 25 

Rape  for  Swine 26 

Rape  Pasture  Growing  Too  Fast 26 

Rape  and  Oats  for  Pasture 26 

Substitute  for  Clover  Pasture 24 

Time  to  Sow  Rape 25 

Temporary  Pasture 26 

Timothy  Pasture 27 

Turning  Hogs  in  Diseased  Pasture....  28 

Vetch  on  Sandy  Soil 27 

White  Clover  for  Pasture 24 

White  Clover  and  Blue  Grass  for 

Pasture  24 

Yield  of  Artichokes  per  Acre 24 

SWINE  DISEASES. 

Abortion 28 

Abcess  Forming 28 

Acid  Stomach 29 

Anthrax  29 

Apoplexy  29 

Black  Tooth,  The 29 

Blind  Staggers  29 

Blood  Diseases 29,  30 

Brain  Diseases 30 

Bronchitis 30 

Bunch  on  Sow 30 

Catarrh  30 

Choking  Hogs 31 


60 


500  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED  ABOUT  SWINE 


l 


Page. 

Cholera 31 

Contagious  Disease 32,  45 

Constipation  32 

Cough  32,  33 

Canker  or  Sore  Mouth 38 

Dead  Pigs 33 

Deafness 33 

Debility  33 

Deformed  Pigs 33 

Dialation  of  Meat  Pipe.._ 33 

Doctoring  Pigs 33 

Eczema  33,  34 

Eyes,  Sore 34 

Feet,  Sore 34 

Feverish  Sows 34 

Fits,  Pigs  Have 34 

Indigestion  34,  35 

Injured  Sow 35 

Internal  Affection 35 

Itch  36 

Kidney  Trouble 36 

Lame  Hog 36 

Leg  Weakness 36,  37 

Lousy  Hogs  37 

Lump  on  Pig’s  Nose 37 

Lung  Fever 38 

Mange,  Cause  of 38 

Mouth,  Bunches  in 38 

Mouth,  Canker  or  Sore 38- 

Navel,  Bunch  on 39 

Over-Feeding 39 

Paralysis  39 

Piles  39 

Pnuemonia  39 

Poor  Hogs 40 

Report  All  Cases  of  Hog  Cholera 31 

Rheumatism  40 

Ruptured  Pigs 40 

Sore  Eyes  34 

Sore  Feet 34 

Scab  40 

Scruff  40 

Sheath,  Imperfect 40 

Sores  on  Hogs 41 

Spinal  Meningitis 41 

Spinal  Trouble  . 41,  42 

Stiffened  Hog 42 

Stomach  Trouble 42 

Sour  Stomach 42 

Sun  Scald 42 

Sun  Stroke 42 

Stomach  Worms 44 

Tumor  in  Brain 30 

Throat  Trouble 42 

Thumps  43 

Tuberculosis 43 

Tumors  On  Pigs 43 

Weak  in  Hind  Legs 36,  37 

Weak  Backs 44 

Worms  in  Hogs 44,  45 

Veterinarian,  Consult  a 45 

BREEDS  COMPARED. 

About  Breeds  48 

Are  Poland-Chinas  Prolific? 48 

Berkshire,  The 45 

Breeds  of  Swine  Compared 48 

Best  Breed  of  Hogs 49 

Best  Hog  for  Market 49 

Breed,  Selecting  a 49 

Bacon  vs.  Pork  Hogs 49 

Chester  Whites  vs.  Duroc  Jerseys 47 

Chester  White  Swine  and  O.  I.  C 47 

Chester  Whites,  Improved 47 

Color  in  Swine 49 

Crossing  Swine 49 

Crossing,  Effects  of 50 

Duroc-Jerseys  vs.  Poland-Chinas 46 

Duroc-Jersey  Swine 46 

Duroc-Jerseys  vs.  Chester  Whites....  47 
Essex  47 


Effects  of  Crossing 50 

Finishing  Age 49 

Improved  Chester  Whites 47 

Lard  or  Bacon  Type 49 

Market,  Best  Hog  for 49 

O.  I.  C.  Swine 47 

O.  I.  C.  and  Chester^ White  Swine 47 

Poland  Chinas 46 

Poland  Chinas  vs.  Duroc-Jerseys 46 

Poland  China  Prolific?  are 48 

Pork  Hogs  vs.  Bacon 49 

Selecting  a Breed 49 

The  Best  Hog 49 

The  Pork  Breeds 49 

Victoria  Swine 48 

Yorkshires,  Small 48 

Yorkshires,  Large 48 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Ashes  and  Salt 54,  55 

Age  of  Pigs  at  Market  Time 55 

Bedding,  Changing  the 54 

Barley  Straw  for  Bedding 54 

Castrating  Pigs 50 

Castrating,  Trouble  with  Pigs  After. 50,  51 

Chickens,  Hogs  Eat  52 

Cement  Floors 53 

Chaff  for  Farrowing  Pens 54 

Coal  for  Hogs,  Soft 54 

Charcoal,  Best  Wood  for 55 

Curing  Meat 56 

Care  for  Hogs,  Time  to 56 

Cause  for  Hogs  Eating  Ice 56 

Can  Land  be  Kept  by  Hog  Raising?  ..57 

Cut  the  Pig’s  Tail  Off 57 

Fighting,  To  Prevent  Sows  from 51 

Farrowing  Pens 52 

Floor,  Hog  House 53 

Feeding  Floor 53 

Floors,  Sleeping  on  Plank 53 

Fence,  A Good  Hog 56 

Hogs  Eat  Each  Other 51 

Hogs  Eating  Their  Young  52,53 

Hogs  Eating  Hens 52 

Hogs  Eating  Sand  and  Gravel 56 

Hog  House  52 

Keeping  Pork 56 

Lime  in  Hog  House,  Fresh 56 

Market  Time,  Age  of  Pigs  at 55 

Meat,  Best  Age  for 55 

Meat  not  Affected 55 

Meat,  Boar 55 

Meat,  Curing 56 

Oat  Straw  54 

Pigs,  High  Tempers  in 51 

Pens,  Expensive 52 

Pens,  Sleeping 52 

Pens,  Farrowing 52 

Plank  Floors 53 

Pigs?  What  Killed  the 56 

Pigs  Disappear 56 

Pork,  Keeping 56 

Prices,  Low 57 

Quarrelsome  Hogs 51 

Room  for  Brood  Sow 52 

Rings  55 

Runts,  What  to  do  With  the 57 

Registering  Swine 67 

Sows  Eating  Their  Own  Pigs 61 

Sleeping  Pens 52 

Summer  Shelter  for  Hogs 53 

Straw  in  Pens 54 

Salt  for  Swine 54 

Sulphur  and  Ashes  for  Hogs 55 

Sheep  or  Hogs? 57 

Timothy  Hay  for  Bedding 54 

Ventilation  53 

Wind,  Bothered  by 52 

Windows  in  Hog  Houses 53 

Watering  Hogs 55 

Weight,  The  Most  Profitable 65 


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